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Sappho, Phaon and Cupid, 1809. Artist: Jacques-Louis David
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Sappho, Phaon and Cupid, 1809. Artist: Jacques-Louis David
Sappho, Phaon and Cupid, 1809. According to Greek legend, the poet Sappho fell in love with Phaon, a ferryman from the island of Lesbos, and when he rejected her, she committed suicide by throwing herself into the sea. Found in the collection of the State Hermitage, St Petersburg
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Media ID 14890150
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Arrow Bedchamber Bedroom Boatman Classical Cupid David Jacques Louis David Legend Legendary Neo Classical Neo Classicism Neoclassical Quiver Sappho Ancient Greek Greek Mythology
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This print by Jacques-Louis David, titled "Sappho, Phaon and Cupid" transports us to the realm of Greek mythology and ancient love stories. The painting depicts a poignant moment from the legend of Sappho, the renowned poetess of Lesbos. In this scene, Sappho finds herself hopelessly infatuated with Phaon, a humble ferryman. However, her affections are unrequited as Phaon rejects her advances. The artist skillfully captures Sappho's despair and heartbreak through his masterful use of color and composition. We see Sappho standing on the edge of a boatman's bedchamber, contemplating her tragic fate. Cupid, the mischievous god of love armed with his bow and arrow, hovers nearby as if mocking her pain. David's neoclassical style breathes life into this ancient tale while paying homage to classical Greek artistry. The attention to detail in every brushstroke adds depth to each character's emotions and conveys their inner turmoil. Displayed in the State Hermitage collection in St Petersburg, this 19th-century masterpiece continues to captivate viewers with its timeless depiction of unrequited love and human vulnerability. It serves as a reminder that even legendary figures like Sappho were not immune to heartache—a sentiment that resonates across time and cultures.
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