The Muse is one of the oldest archetypes in human civilization, and, in the past, was a representation of an idealized woman – blessed with beauty and creativity and exerting irresistible attraction for many a man. Nowadays, in the wake of feminism, the idea of the Muse seems a bit obsolete, quaint or downright sexist, and is said to enhance a vicious stereotype of the creative, productive and active man and the passive, submissive and docile woman.

However, this book shows that this, in fact, was rarely the case. The contributions brought together here focus on “Muses, Mistresses and Mates” whose vivid personalities and exceptional talent brought them into creative and fruitful partnership with men who were equally remarkable, though sometimes more renowned. The authors examine intellectual (and sometimes) erotic currents flowing between the Muse and the man or woman she inspired, and often dissect mythologies that have so far surrounded this relationship and offer a corrective view of widely circulated biographies. As such, the essays collected in this volume prove that, in many cases, these fascinating women lived not only in the shadow of their partners, but also cultural stereotypes.

This volume was inspired by Stefan and Franciszka Themerson, Polish intellectuals and avant-garde artists, whose collaborative and ambitious ventures serve as a paragon of a long-standing and mutually enriching partnership.