Sappho and Phaon (1809) by Jacques-Louis David

Sappho and Phaon - Jacques-Louis David - 1809

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Artwork Information

TitleSappho and Phaon
ArtistJacques-Louis David
Date1809
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions221.9 x 261 cm
Art MovementNeoclassicism
Current LocationHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia

About Sappho and Phaon

The artwork “Sappho and Phaon” is an oil on canvas painting by Jacques-Louis David dated from 1809. This neoclassical piece of art measures 221.9 x 261 cm and is categorized as a mythological painting. It currently resides in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

In this artwork, we observe a scene steeped in mythological narrative, marked by the restrained emotion and clear forms characteristic of Neoclassicism. The setting is an interior space, opened up to a landscape through an arched entryway on the left. Sappho, the ancient Greek poetess known for her lyrical works, is at the center of the composition, her body reclined as she is caught in an intimate moment with Phaon. Phaon, her legendary lover, is typically depicted as a beautiful youth or man who is the object of Sappho’s affection. He is shown with a golden bow and quiver, an indication of his links to the divine, possibly signifying a connection with Eros or Cupid, gods of love, who often bear such attributes. At their feet, a putto, a symbol often included in art to represent a cherubic figure or a small child with wings, echoes the sentiment of love by holding a lyre—a nod to the lyrical art form synonymous with Sappho’s own poetry.

The treatment of the drapery and colors in this painting is quite meticulous; the rich blue, reds, and whites contrast with the flesh tones and the serene landscape, highlighting the figures and intensifying the drama of the scene. David’s capability to portray textures and his attention to anatomical detail are evident here, aligning with the neoclassical ideal of returning to classical form and grandeur. The use of classical elements, such as the column, the lyre, and the garb, indicates an affinity with ancient Greek and Roman art and supports the storytelling within the canvas that pays homage to antiquity’s tales and traditions.

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