Ruth Millington

Who was Picasso's 'Weeping Woman'?
Why was Grace Jones covered in graffiti?
How did Francis Bacon meet the burglar who became his muse?

The perception of the muse is that of a passive, powerless model, at the mercy of an influential and older artist. But is this trope a romanticised myth? Far from posing silently, muses have brought emotional support, intellectual energy, career-changing creativity and practical help to artists.

Muse tells the true stories of the incredible muses who have inspired art history's masterpieces. From Leonardo da Vinci's studio to the covers of Vogue, art historian, critic and writer Ruth Millington uncovers the remarkable role of muses in some of art history's most well-known and significant works. Delving into the real-life relationships that models have held with the artists who immortalised them, it will expose the influential and active part they have played and deconstruct reductive stereotypes, reframing the muse as a momentous and empowered agent of art history.

Paint a still-life like Vincent Van Gogh! Create a cubist collage like Pablo Picasso! Make a polka-dot pumpkin like Yayoi Kusama! This book will make YOU an artist as you explore 25 different art techniques - from cave painting to contemporary performance - inspired by ground-breaking artists from around the world. And discover famous masterpieces with photographs of real works of art!

Pick up your pencils, collect your collage materials and find out more about some of world's best-known creatives in this fact-filled book full of step-by-step activities that are easy to try at home. Including information about tools, materials and basic art theory, this imaginative book is jam-packed with ideas for aspiring artists everywhere.