#eloquence

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Calliope, Muse of Epic Poetry

Artist: Charles Meynier (French, 1768-1832)

Date: 1798

Medium: Oil on canvas

Location: Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Description

In Greek mythology, Calliope is the muse of epic poetry, eloquence, music, song, and dance. She is the eldest of the nine muses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, and is often depicted as their leader. Calliope is known for inspiring great poets throughout history, including Homer, Virgil, Ovid, and Dante Alighieri, and was often called upon for help when they were writing. She is also said to have given the gift of eloquence to kings and princes.

Calliope's name literally means "beautiful-voiced" and she is often depicted in art carrying a writing tablet and stylus, or with a lyre. She is also sometimes depicted with grapes, an aulos (an ancient Greek musical instrument), or panpipes, which may refer to her role as an agricultural goddess.

Calliope is also said to have been the mother of Orpheus, the most famous musician in Greek mythology. In some accounts, she is the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, and has siblings including Euterpe, Polyhymnia, Urania, Clio, Erato, Thalia, Terpsichore, and Melpomene. She may also have had two sons with the god Apollo, Hymen and Ialemus, and may have been the mother of Rhesus, king of Thrace, or Linus, the inventor of melody and rhythm.