Clio, Muse of History

1800

Charles Meynier

(French, 1768–1832)

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Culture

France, late 18th-early 19th century

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

Framed: 290 x 192.4 x 7 cm (114 3/16 x 75 3/4 x 2 3/4 in.); Unframed: 273 x 176 cm (107 1/2 x 69 5/16 in.)

Credit Line

Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2003.6.5

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

Clio's name is derived from a Greek word meaning "to recount" or "to celebrate."

Description

Clio, the Greek muse of history, is the daughter of Zeus and Titaness Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. Clio is depicted here writing and surrounded by objects associated with preserving the memory of historical figures and events: busts, reliefs, and sculptures. This painting belongs to a cycle of works commissioned by businessman François Boyer-Fonfréde for his home in Toulouse.