Sappho (Sapho)

The graphic work Sappho (Sapho), created by renowned French artist Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot in 1871, showcases the artist’s mastery of the lithographic medium. Although Corot is primarily celebrated for his atmospheric oil paintings and landscapes, particularly those transitioning from Neoclassicism toward Impressionism, he was also an accomplished printmaker. This lithograph was produced late in his career, during the transitional period spanning 1851 to 1875, reflecting the growing importance of artistic prints as a means of distribution and experimentation in 19th-century French art.

Corot typically rendered his scenes with soft focus and atmospheric delicacy, qualities he successfully translated into this black-and-white print. The piece depicts the legendary Greek poetess Sappho, often associated with tragedy, artistic genius, and the dramatic cliffs of Lesbos. Corot utilizes the chemical and mechanical versatility of the lithograph to achieve the subtle tonal gradations reminiscent of a wash drawing or charcoal sketch, focusing attention on the contemplative posture and classical drapery of the central figure.

As one of the key Sappho (Sapho) prints produced by the artist, this work serves as an important document of Corot’s later output. The creation of fine art prints allowed a wider audience access to the artist's thematic interests outside of his major oil commissions. This notable lithograph is currently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Due to its age and cultural significance, the underlying image often falls under public domain status, allowing art historians and enthusiasts alike to study the technical nuances of Corot’s graphic production and influence on modern printmaking.