Homer and Calliope c. 1786

Tommaso Conca rendered this drawing of Homer and Calliope in the late 18th to early 19th century. Homer, the legendary author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, sits here with Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, often shown holding a writing tablet and stylus. The scene depicts inspiration, a divine gift, as Calliope gestures towards Homer, guiding his words. This act echoes across time, reminiscent of ancient Roman depictions of muses inspiring poets. In ancient times, the muse wasn’t merely an artistic trope, but also a manifestation of a cultural belief that all creative endeavors were divinely inspired. The act of bestowing divine inspiration has resurfaced in various forms throughout art history, continuously evolving and reflecting humanity's deep-seated need to bridge the gap between the mortal and the divine. It speaks to a psychological longing for connection to something greater, something timeless.