The Muses of Urania and Calliope

The two female figures, seated on the ground before a classical podium, are Urania and Calliope, two of the nine muses, goddesses of classical mythology who bestowed creative inspiration on practitioners in the arts and sciences. At the left is Urania, muse of astronomy, identified by her diadem of six stars and a celestial globe. The second figure has a book in her lap inscribed “Odiss,” Homer’s Odyssey, which distinguishes her as Calliope, muse of epic poetry.

This painting was almost certainly part of an ensemble depicting other muses. It is the work of Vouet and his extensive studio.