The Three Muses
Louis Monza
American, born Italy, 1897–1984

Details
Title
The Three Muses
Artist/Maker
Louis Monza (American, born Italy, 1897–1984)
Date
1964
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
19 1/2 x 11 x 4 inches
Credit
Gift of Lauri Martin and Susan Larsen Martin
Accession #
2006.139
Location
Currently not on view
Italian-born Louis Monza immigrated to the United States on the eve of World War I, bringing with him considerable woodcarving skill that easily translated into other media, including printmaking and terracotta sculpture. Monza’s ability is evident in The Three Muses and the carefully incised detailing of the primary figures’ robes as the garments envelope and define the face of each goddess. The flattened figure of a devotee embraces the group, while a serpent at the base of the piece thrusts his head out toward the viewer.