Greek Muse reflects an interest in vanity within ancient Greek culture. The ancient Greeks explored new methods of musical and artistic expression in which art is seen as an emphasis of beauty, mathematics, and self-expression. The idea of objects symbolizing the inevitability of death and the vanity of earthly objects or rewards was prominently featured in 17^th-century Dutch vanitas painting and has been recreated in many artworks since. Through reflective materials, creative references, and humanistic forms, Flack has managed to show the human desire to accumulate material riches before death. Flack accentuates this idea through the sharp contrast in shadow on the sculpture bust, which is suggestive of mortality.

The following text was researched and written by: Iszzy Hernandez, Studio Art and Art History, Minors in Psychology and Education Studies ’22, Collections Intern, Department of Art and Art History.
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