Inspiration is a bewildering force, often sparked by the most unexpected of sources. Many tend to think of great works of art, literature or design as stemming from the mind of a single creative genius, but the reality is that many masterpieces are born from an intimate, symbiotic relationship between the artist and their muses. Muses—whether people, animals, places or everyday objects—are the silent yet powerful catalysts behind some of the world’s most celebrated artistic creations. Fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld, for one, held a deep affection for his cat, Choupette, who became a signature symbol of his brand image and artistry.

Without their muses, some creators never would have produced their most recognized works or reached their level of recognition. American artist Andy Warhol’s best-known works, Marilyn Diptych (1962) and Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962), were inspired by wildly different sources. Marilyn Diptych contrasts Marilyn Monroe’s glamorous public persona with the tragedy of her personal life; Campbell’s Soup Cans depicts a mural of the household staple to reflect Warhol’s fascination with consumerism.

Similarly, impressionist painter Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France, where he resided for over 40 years, became the subject matter of his art during the final phase of his career. Monet designed the garden himself, carefully selecting plants, flowers and trees that would provide a range of colors and compositions throughout the seasons. His garden was divided into two parts: the flower garden, formally known as Clos Normand, and the water garden, featuring the pond and Japanese bridge seen in his renowned Water Lilies series, a collection of around 250 oil paintings. For Monet, his garden was more than just a backdrop; it was a living, evolving piece of art—his greatest muse.

Muses aren’t just predominant in visual art. While the imagery may not be as vivid in writing as it is in art, the underlying influences and emotions from muses shape every word and character in the story. Acclaimed writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, sought inspiration from his wife, Zelda Fitzgerald, for his characters, such as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby (1925). Daisy’s character traits of beauty and charm reflected those of Zelda. Zelda’s inner struggle with societal expectations were reflected in other female characters in Fitzgerald’s novels, such as protagonist Nicole Diver in Tender Is the Night (1934). The couple’s marriage was famously turbulent, marked both by deep affection and growing tension. These difficulties became an element of Fitzgerald’s work, as his turmoil reflected in the emotional and psychological complexity of his characters.

Similarly, Oscar Wilde, best known for The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890), is thought to have based the titular character on Lord Alfred Douglas, whom he shared a complex and intense relationship with. Dorian Gray’s beauty, narcissism and moral ambiguity reflect the qualities that Wilde admired in Douglas; the book’s themes of vanity and hedonism were heavily shaped by this relationship. Wilde’s famous play, Salomé (1893), was written partly as a result of his infatuation with Douglas, believed to be written as a way to impress him. The infamous relationship, condemned for “gross indecency,” led to Wilde’s downfall and years of suffering, but Wilde never fully severed his emotional attachment to Douglas. While Douglas’ name is usually connected to and shadowed by Wilde’s fame, Douglas held power over this artist, proving that in some ways it is the muse who controls the artist, even after the course of their creative work.

The work of a muse can be a two-way exchange; sometimes, artists influence each other and forge deep connections the way an artist and muse would. This is seen in Italian fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. Schiaparelli’s eccentric designs and desire to break away from traditional fashion standards made her an ideal match for Dalí, whose works were an exploration of the subconscious mind characterized by dreamlike yet disturbing imagery. The two collaborated on several pieces, such as The Lobster Dress (1937), a pink silk evening gown with a giant painted lobster on the front. Another creation was The Shoe Hat (1937), designed by Dalí for Schiaparelli: an extravagant hat shaped like a high heel. Their willingness to experiment created works that were rather radical at the time but became a turning point in surrealist fashion, showing that designers could use fashion as a form of artistic expression, rather than just following the foundation.

Great art often emerges from the most unexpected sources; what seems mundane to one person, like Lagerfeld’s cat or Monet’s home, can spark brilliance in creators’ minds. Many expect inspiration to be found in revered people or grand moments, but it is often found in the ordinary aspects of life. Ultimately, it is the muse that holds power over the artist, not the other way around—their influence extends beyond mere inspiration, shaping not only the artist’s creations but the very course of their lives.

Written by Nidhi Suraparaju, Photography: Arushi Balasundaram, Design: Mila blank, Social Media: Cassandra Negrete, Styling: Candace Obi, Videography: Sam Komatreddy

The Muse and the Masterpiece