Sappho

Erastus Dow Palmer

1855; carved 1861 · Marble · The American Wing

Palmer depicted the ancient Greek lyric poet Sappho "as she stands contemplating vacancy, with her hair and drapery moved by the sighing winds of Lesbos, and a heart overflowing with grief from neglected love." Although it may be difficult today to identify this celebrated figure, contemporary viewers familiar with classical literature would have recognized her. The Albany-based Palmer presented Sappho at an 1856 solo exhibition in New York, following the practice of both local and expatriate artists marketing major works to prospective clients. He received at least twelve orders for the sculpture in plaster and marble, including this version carved from Italian marble.

Artist

Erastus Dow Palmer

Date

1855; carved 1861

Medium

Marble

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Clevepak Corporation, 1986