Scientific Notes of Gaudichaud BeaupréBack to Gallery

In Greek mythology, Urania Οὐρανία, which stems from the Greek word for 'heaven", was the muse of astronomy. Some accounts list her as the mother of the musician Linus. She is usually depicted as having a globe in her left hand. She is able to foretell the future by the arrangement of the stars. She is often associated with Universal Love and the Holy Spirit. She is dressed in a cloak embroidered with stars and keeps her eyes and attention focused on the Heavens. Those who are most concerned with philosophy and the heavens are dearest to her.

Urania and Galliope painted by Simón Vouet (1634).
National Gallery of Art. Washington.