Calliope c. 1763

Augustin Pajou crafted this marble sculpture of Calliope, a muse from Greek mythology, sometime between 1730 and 1809. She carries a book, the symbol that embodies the power of knowledge, and is traditionally associated with her role as the muse of epic poetry. The motif of the book has resonated through countless ages and cultures. Consider the illuminated manuscripts of the medieval period or the printed volumes that fueled the Renaissance; the book consistently appears as a symbol of intellectual and cultural authority. The symbolic weight of the book is not merely about literacy, but about the deeper, almost mystical reverence for the written word. And, in the collective memory, the gesture of pointing at the book, as Calliope is doing, can be traced back through time, echoing in religious iconography and scholarly depictions. The psychological impact lies in its assertion of knowledge, silently engaging viewers with the gravity of learning. The cycle continues, each new iteration adding layers to its significance.