Maye Musk: An Icon of Elegance and Intellect, Captured in Timeless Portraiture

Maye Musk is a rare figure whose presence transcends industry and era. A model of international acclaim and a respected dietitian, her career spans over five decades, marked by intelligence, resilience, and an unmistakable elegance. She has appeared on the covers of Time (Health Edition), Women’s Day, international editions of Vogue, and the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue—each image reinforcing her status as a modern cultural icon.

Maye Musk: An Icon of Elegance and Intellect, Captured in Timeless Portraiture (Rory Lewis Photographer 2023)

Drawn to faces shaped by experience and character, I invited Maye to sit for a portrait at my New York studio. The intention was not simply to document, but to create something enduring. Inspired by the Old Masters—Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera—I sought to echo their command of light, tonal restraint, and psychological depth, translating classical techniques into a contemporary portrait language.

Maye Musk: An Icon of Elegance and Intellect, Captured in Timeless Portraiture (Rory Lewis Photographer 2023)

Working with controlled chiaroscuro and a subdued palette, the session focused on presence rather than performance. Every decision—from lighting to composition—was guided by a desire to reveal both strength and serenity, capturing Maye not as a symbol, but as a human presence shaped by time, intellect, and grace.

The resulting portrait stands as a meditation on longevity and purpose. It reflects not only Maye Musk’s extraordinary career, but the quieter authority that comes from a life fully lived. More than a likeness, it is an homage—both to its subject and to the timeless traditions of portraiture that continue to resonate across generations.