ANTIQUE SAPPHO BUST

Bust of the poetess Sappho, made by the German company Reps & Trinte, circa 1910.

A magnificent, high-quality plaster bust of the ancient Greek lyrical poetess Sappho. She is depicted gazing upward and into the distance, wearing a cloak and a laurel wreath in her hair. The signature of the artist, sculptor H.L. Blasche, is on the back, along with the manufacturer’s mark from Reps & Trinte in Magdeburg.

Sappho (circa 630–570 BC) was an ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos, and she was one of the most highly regarded poets of her time. Her poetry is known for its intimacy, sensuality, and emotional depth, often exploring themes of love, longing, and beauty. She primarily wrote lyric poetry, often accompanied by the music of the lyre, which allowed her to captivate audiences with her distinctive sensuality. Despite being a wife and mother, Sappho devoted much of her poetry to love for women, which led to her becoming a symbol of homosexual love, especially among women. Her influence gave rise to the term “lesbian,” as she was born on the island of Lesbos. Although few details of her life are known, Sappho became a key literary and cultural icon, as many of her verses, as well as the image of a gentle and loving woman, have been preserved through the centuries and continue to inspire to this day. Her poetry was also highly regarded in antiquity, with Aristotle and other ancient writers ranking her among the Nine Muses. Though much of her work has been lost over the centuries, some poems, such as the famous “Hymn to Aphrodite,” have been preserved almost in their entirety, while others remain as fragments. Still, their beauty and emotional expression continue to captivate readers and scholars worldwide.

Dimensions: 69 x 47 x 26 cm

Weight: 7.8 kg

The bust is in excellent condition.