Watercolour and gouache over lithographic line, on paper. Inscribed: j. B. A. / imprie lithoque de c motte rue des marais fg. St. Gn. Numbered: 12. Dimensions: 67. 4 cm. By 50. 8 cm. To be executed in gilt bronze and verde antiquo marble; silvered metal dial; black marble platform. The poetess looking at an image of phaon in her hand, the other hand resting by scrolls on the plinth on which she is seated, fronted by the clock, a lyre standing on an altar to one side, the frieze with a portrait medallion of phaon. Sappho, an early greek poetess of great renown (see cat. #43), famed for her love of women, is also remembered for throwing herself into the sea from the promontory of leucadia in desperation at her unrequited love for phaon, a youth of great beauty. In this design the lyre celebrates her poetic achievement, her poetry represented by the scrolls beside her. Date: between 1815 and 1820..
Loading...
