Madonna’s muse steps into the spotlight
Tamara de Lempicka? Unless you were an art history major, likely not. But queers of a certain age are more familiar with the Polish-born painter than they may think.
Madonna has paid homage to the artist in multiple videos, including “Open Your Heart” and “Express Yourself,” as well as visually referencing her works in live shows, including The Celebration Tour.
Beyond the canvas, Lempicka’s progressive lifestyle also ruffled feathers in society. She married Tadeusz Lempicki at age 16 and, shortly after, used her charm and wit to save him from the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution.
When they settled in Paris, Lempicka took on several female lovers. Carson Kreitzer (book, lyrics, and original concept) and Matt Gould (book and music) bring Lempicka’s story to life (sort of) in a new Broadway musical directed by Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown).As the biggest-selling female recording artist of all time, Madonna more than earned a victory lap.Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.“Why were they voguing?” my companion asks at intermission, referring to a dance sequence early in the show. “Ah, that makes sense,” she responds with a slightly perplexed look after I explain the Madonna connection.
