The artwork depicted is an illustration named “Drawing from the ‘Tarot’ The Muse Thalia,” created by the artist Albrecht Dürer, who was a key figure of the Northern Renaissance. The genre of this piece is an illustration.
In this monochromatic drawing, the Muse Thalia is seated in a relaxed position, her body slightly turned as if caught in a moment of repose. The figure is adorned in classical flowing garments that drape around her form, lending a sense of movement and softness to the composition. She holds an instrument resembling a lira da braccio, indicative of her role as a muse of music and indicative of the poesia or music she inspires. Her facial expression is serene, and she gazes off to the side, disconnected from the viewer, as if immersed in thought or listening to the melodies she conjures.
The lines of the drawing are delicate, capturing the grace and elegance of the classical muse with a light touch that is characteristic of Dürer’s skilled draftsmanship. The simplicity of the background allows the viewer to focus on the subject and the intricate details of her attire and instrument. Even in this seemingly spontaneous sketch, Dürer’s attention to detail and his mastery of form are evident, embodying the artistic values of the Northern Renaissance which celebrated precise craftsmanship and often incorporated elements of the natural world and classical antiquity into its works.
