Unknown Artist
Unearthed in 1760 within the northwestern sector of Pompeii, the city entombed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, this painting garnered significant interest due to its potential portrayal of Sappho, the renowned Greek lyric poet who resided on Lesbos circa 600 BCE, and who remains the most celebrated female writer from antiquity. The reasons for associating this image with Sappho are readily discernible, as numerous aspects distinctly align her with the contemporary women of Pompeii.
In her left hand, she cradles wax tablets meticulously fastened with a delicate ribbon, an instrument commonly employed for record-keeping in that era, while her grasp of a stylus, a Roman writing implement, further bolsters this impression. It is her captivating gaze, however, that truly imbues this depiction with an enduring and iconic quality.
Pompeii is a unique place; one of the most amazing ones I've ever seen!
P.S. Sappho is featured in our 2024 DailyArt Desk Calendar, in case you want to fill your 2024 with art! :)
P.P.S. Did you know ancient artworks can tell us a lot about past societies? Learn more about this beautiful fresco and what can we read from it about the role and status of Roman women. And for more ancient art see the articles below!