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The Paris Muse by Louisa Treger, book cover
Episode 28·16 July 2025·39 min

Louisa TregerThe Paris Muse

Dora Maar, beyond Picasso's Weeping Woman.

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About this episode

In this week’s episode of Elena Meets the Author, I’m joined by the brilliant Louisa Treger to talk about her captivating new novel The Paris Muse, which delves into the life of Dora Maar, Picasso’s muse behind the iconic Weeping Woman.

We dive into Dora’s incredible journey beyond her relationship with Picasso, exploring her life as a surrealist photographer, poet, and political activist. From the influence she had on Picasso’s art to her redemption and artistic revival, this episode is a deep dive into art, love, and the complexities of history.

In this episode

  1. Introduction to the Podcast
  2. Introducing Louisa Treger and The Paris Muse
  3. Dora Maar: Picasso's Muse and More
  4. Louisa's Inspiration from Dora's Photography
  5. Reading from the Prologue
  6. Dora Maar's Early Life
  7. Dora's Relationship with Picasso
  8. The Influence of Dora on Picasso's Art
  9. Discussing the Novel's Setting and Characters
  10. Writing About the South of France
  11. Picasso and Dora's Relationship During Wartime
  12. Dora's Inner Monologues and Personal Connection
  13. Picasso's Dark Side and Its Impact
  14. Dora's Redemption and Artistic Revival
  15. The Author's Inspiration and Future Projects
  16. Conclusion and Final Thoughts