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Jewelry at the Barnes Shop
Discover modern heirlooms crafted from the finest materials by skilled artisans.
Artful Accessories
From scarves based on our Pennsylvania German collection, to an umbrella featuring a detail from your favorite Van Gogh, we have something for everyone.
Inspired Living
Have coffee with the Postman, or wrap yourself up in a painting--our collection of exclusive gifts allow you to bring the Barnes home.
Art (books) for All
Our book selection covers a range of subjects--from introductory texts about understanding art, to how to bake a cake inspired by famous paintings--learn something new today.
Fun and Games
Our playful collection of puzzles, coloring books, and toys will inspire kids of any age.
Send a Note
Unsure of what to write? Find inspiration in notecards featuring details from Barnes masterworks.
$29.00 USD
An illuminating exploration of 31 incredible women—across art, architecture, dance, literature, and more—whose culture-defining contributions have, until now, been overshadowed by their role as “muses” to history’s better-known men.
What does it mean to be someone’s “muse”? Historically, to be called a “muse” among artistic circles has been marketed as a flattering title. It is a commendation that most often refers to a woman whose vivacity and beauty are the source of inspiration for a (usually) male artist or creator. Perhaps her inspiring presence is even credited in the story of his success. But the very concept of a muse underestimates these women and their abilities. At its root, muse is a support role, the title a consolation prize that claims to recognize a woman’s greatness—but only in her support of another.
I’m Not Your Muse reclaims the narrative of 31 of these extraordinary women, from “The Mother of the Movies” Alice Guy-Blaché to Modernist designer Eileen Gray, prima ballerina Maria Tallchief, storied Harlem Renaissance editor Jessie Redmon Fauset, and many more. Each of these women advanced the narrative of culture and society, pushing the boundaries of visual arts, dance and movement, commercial architecture, music, journalism, and the performing arts. Whether by historical accident or cruel design, their contributions have historically been overshadowed by those of their male counterparts, and often collaborators.
In this briskly written, incisively researched compendium, author and researcher Lori Zimmer repositions these women as the main characters of their own lives. Each profile is accented with original illustrations—including jaunty portraits in playfully constructed frames—by artist Maria Krasinski. Together, they highlight the contemporary accomplishments and historical legacies of a wide-ranging group of revolutionary women.
Featured women include:
Louise Blanchard Bethune, Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore, Minnette de Silva, Clara Driscoll, Jessie Redmon Fauset, Loie Fuller, Martha Gellhorn, Eileen Gray, Belle da Costa Greene, Alice Guy-Blaché, Miss La La, Edmonia Lewis, Neysa McMein, Hildreth Meière, Lucia Moholy, May and Jane Morris, Na Hye-Sŏk, Fernande Olivier, Pan Yuliang, Ethel Reed, Clara Rockmore, Ada Bricktop Smith, Maria Tallchief, Alice B. Toklas, Suzanne Valadon, Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven, Leonora Carrington, Remedios Varo, and Kati Horna.
Hardcover, 200 pages.
Shop the accompanying card deck More Than Muses here.
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