Study of Sappho 1862

Curator: This is Simeon Solomon's "Study of Sappho," currently held in the Tate Collections. It strikes me with its serene simplicity. Editor: The chalky texture and muted grayscale render a melancholic air. Curator: Chalk and pencil allowed Solomon a direct, unfiltered engagement with the paper, blurring distinctions between drawing and finished work. It’s about the process of bringing forth an image, not just the result. Editor: And that process speaks volumes about the Victorian fascination with Sappho, positioning her as a figure both celebrated and scrutinized by society. The laurel wreath, a symbol of poetic achievement, feels almost like a burden. Curator: Interesting, seeing the laurel in that way. It could also highlight the materials readily available to Solomon, reflecting the economic realities of artistic production at the time. Editor: Perhaps. Ultimately, both artist and sitter are products of their respective social landscapes. Curator: A fitting end, considering how time and context shaped both Sappho's legacy and Solomon's approach.