5 extraordinary women behind great artists

Gala Dali was Salvador Dali's wife and served as a model for many of his works. All these works reveal his love for Gala. She was a very creative and extraordinary woman who greatly influenced Dali's art. Many of his masterpieces were signed "Gala - Salvador Dali" which indicates their perfect collaboration.

Françoise Gilot and Pablo Picasso had been together for 10 years.These years were full of art. Gilot was a well-educated woman with a passion for the arts. By the time she met Picasso she developed a unique style and produced great paintings on her own. The couple inspired each other. However, after their relations came to an end her artistic career waned as Picasso discouraged galleries from buying her paintings.

Jacqueline was the second wife of Pablo Picasso. It took him half a year to win her heart. Though it is believed that she secluded Picasso from his friends, Jacqueline was the greatest source of inspiration for him. They lived together for 20 years.

Dorothea Tanning and Max Ernst were considered to pioneer the surrealist movement. She was a painter, sculptor and writer. He was a sculptor and self-taught artist who invented his own drawing techniques. Though they were creative personalities and loners they managed to find a balance between art and family life.

Vincent Van Gogh was never lucky in love. His life was full of rejections and they influenced his works. Agostina Segatori is believed to be his last love. She was a famous model and posed for painters in Paris. She also owned a cafe where the first exhibition of Van Gogh's works took place. They were fond of each other and Vincent was inspired by her. After their break up Van Gogh swore he would never fall in love again as none of his attempts to start a family had a happy ending.