She could be seen strutting through Venice in the dark of night, with nothing but a fur coat on, as she walked her two pet cheetahs. Once described “as beautiful as a black panther, and also as dangerous”, this mysterious woman was one of the wealthiest and most outlandish characters in all of the 20th century.

In this episode we share the incredible life story of the Marchesa Luisa Casati, an Italian heiress who used her fortune to create a life of her wildest imagination. She was also one of the most important patrons of her time. She was painted by Giovanni Boldini, photographed by Man Ray, and sculpted by Jacob Epstein. It’s believed that Luisa commissioned over two hundred separate portraits of herself, with the aim to “commission her immortality”.

ArtMuse is produced by Kula Production Company.

ArtMuse is produced by Kula Production Company.

Today’s episode was written by me, your host, Grace Anna.

I have included images, resources and suggestions for further reading on the ArtMuse website and Instagram.

Listen to Part Two of ArtMuse's episode on Lady Emma Hamilton.

In Part One we explored Emma’s impoverished beginnings, how she became the mistress to Charles Greville, and her successful partnership with the painter George Romney.

In Part Two we continue Emma's incredible story. In it we are taken from Marie Antoinette's prison cell, to the heart of the Napoleonic war, and finally back to England. We explore her steamy relationship with famed war general Horatio Nelson, and finally, her tragic end.

In this episode we honor Lady Emma Hamilton's immense legacy, as not only muse, but as an important historic figure in her own right.

ArtMuse is produced by Kula Production Company.

ArtMuse is produced by Kula Production Company.

Today’s episode was written by me, your host, Grace Anna.

I have included images, resources and suggestions for further reading on the ArtMuse website and Instagram.

Listen to Part One of ArtMuse’s episode on Lady Emma Hamilton. Born into severe poverty, Emma Hamilton worked her way to eventually become England’s first female celebrity. Her life story is so unfathomable, that it almost sounds like a riveting work of fiction. In it, we are taken from the filthy streets of London’s back alleys, to England’s fashionable countryside, to the dazzling royal courts of Naples. Emma’s path crossed with some of the greatest names of eighteenth century history, from George Romney and Joshua Reynolds, to General Horatio Nelson, to even Marie Antoinette. Her story is a tale of hope, grandeur, everlasting love, and devastating heartbreak.

ArtMuse is produced by Kula Production Company.

ArtMuse is produced by Kula Production Company.

Today’s episode was written by me, your host, Grace Anna.

I have included images, resources and suggestions for further reading on the ArtMuse website and Instagram.