The Muse of Tragedy at The Louvre, Paris

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Melpomene, initially known as the Muse of Singing, evolved into the revered Muse of Tragedy, a title she proudly bears today. Her name is derived from the Greek verb melpô or melpomai, signifying "to dance with joyful song." Typically depicted wearing the cothurnus, traditional boots worn by tragic actors, she often holds a knife in one hand and a tragic mask in the other. As the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, Melpomene shares a rich heritage with her sisters. Calliope, the Muse of Epic Poetry, Clio, the Muse of History, Euterpe, the Muse of Lyrical Poetry, Terpsichore, the Muse of Dancing, Erato, the Muse of Erotic Poetry, Thalia, the Muse of Comedy, Polyhymnia, the Muse of Hymns, and Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, all share a special bond with Melpomene. In ancient Roman and Greek poetry, it was customary to invoke the goddess Melpomene, seeking her inspiration for crafting beautiful lyrical phrases that would leave a lasting impression.