Sappho (Sapho)

Jean-François Millet's "Sappho (Sapho)," a print created in 1871, invites us to share a moment of quiet contemplation with the ancient Greek poet. Here at the National Gallery of Art, we have the privilege of viewing this intimate portrayal. Rendered in shades of black and white, Sappho sits upon a grassy hillside, her back turned to us as if we are mere observers to her solitude. Her posture, with her head slightly tilted down, suggests a state of deep thought, perhaps pondering the verses that would make her a literary legend. The landscape echoes this sense of introspection. The hillside slopes down to a dense, dark wooded area, creating a sense of depth and seclusion. The sky, barely visible above the trees, does little to intrude on this private moment. Millet masterfully uses the interplay of light and shadow to evoke a mood of quiet contemplation, inviting us to reflect on the power of poetry and the allure of solitude.