El Parnaso 

Nicolas Poussin painted this mythological scene from the 17th century. In it, we see the muses, Apollo, and other figures from classical mythology gathered on Mount Parnassus. Painted during the Baroque period when art was often used to convey power, this piece also serves as an expression of cultural and intellectual ideals. Poussin, influenced by classical antiquity, presents an idealized vision of harmony and order. The figures are arranged in a balanced composition, and the serene landscape evokes a sense of timelessness. In this gathering, the muses, traditionally depicted as female figures, are the sources of inspiration for male poets and artists. In classical mythology, women were often relegated to the role of muse. Do the muses have their own voice? How does the role of women as sources of inspiration challenge contemporary notions of gender and creativity?