ticketsMember | Make a donation

Sappho

1855; carved 1861
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 736
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sappho
  • Artist: Erastus Dow Palmer (American, Pompey, New York 1817–1904 Albany, New York)
  • Date: 1855; carved 1861
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: 16 1/2 x 16 1/4 in. (41.9 x 41.3 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Clevepak Corporation, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.85
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Cameo of a Gentleman, Erastus Dow Palmer American, Plaster, American
Cameo of a Gentleman
Erastus Dow Palmer
ca. 1850
Cameo of a Gentleman, Erastus Dow Palmer American, Plaster, American
Cameo of a Gentleman
Erastus Dow Palmer
ca. 1850
Cameo of a Gentleman, Erastus Dow Palmer American, Plaster, American
Cameo of a Gentleman
Erastus Dow Palmer
ca. 1850
Cameo of a Gentleman, Erastus Dow Palmer American, Plaster, American
Cameo of a Gentleman
Erastus Dow Palmer
ca. 1850
Cameo of a Gentleman, Erastus Dow Palmer American, Plaster, American
Cameo of a Gentleman
Erastus Dow Palmer
ca. 1850

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.