Sappho Leaping into the Sea from the Leucadian Promontory 1840

Théodore Chassériau's 1840 painting, "Sappho Leaping into the Sea from the Leucadian Promontory", depicts the tragic Greek poetess Sappho about to jump from a cliff. The dramatic composition, with Sappho poised against a stormy sky and churning sea, conveys the powerful emotions of despair and loss associated with her legend. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of both beauty and tragedy, while the presence of her lyre, a symbol of her poetic talents, adds a poignant layer of meaning. The painting is a testament to Chassériau's Romantic sensibility and his skill in capturing both the physical and emotional aspects of a timeless story.