The muse presents herself exactly as she wills, and to trying to predict what inspires artists is certain folly. It’s the will o’ the wisp, inspiration is, and difficult though it is to chase and capture, that very elusiveness is the soul of its value.
But as elusive and varied inspiration may be, it has also demonstrated a measure of constancy throughout the history of western art. Certain themes appear again and again, offering hints and glimpses at the muse’s favor.
A timeless example is right here, looking back at us. She wears different faces, and she inhabits different eras, and vastly different cultures. Yet there’s a remarkable consistency, palpable, that has almost nothing to do with the skin she sheds aeon after aeon.
The muse is, after all, woman. May she continue to inspire for eternity.
