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Citharist with garland of ivy, possibly Sappho
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Citharist with garland of ivy, possibly Sappho
Citharist or citharede, lyre player. Her garland of ivy identifies her as possibly Sappho or another poetess. Copperplate engraving by Tommaso Piroli from his Antiquities of Herculaneum (Antichita di Ercolano), Rome, 1789
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Media ID 23151834
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Antichità Antiquities Ercolano Fresco Garland Herculaneum Lyre Mythology Piroli Player Poetess Pompeii Sappho Tommaso
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "The Citharist with Ivy Garland: A Homage to Sappho or Another Ancient Poetess" This exquisite copperplate engraving, created by Tommaso Piroli in 1789 as part of his "Antiquities of Herculaneum" collection, captures the essence of a citharist or citharede - a lyre player from ancient Greece or Rome. The image is a testament to the enduring allure of classical art and mythology. The citharist is depicted in a tranquil setting, seated on a chair with one leg crossed over the other, her left hand cradling the lyre, while her right hand plucks the strings. The intricate design of the lyre is beautifully rendered, with its curved body and seven strings adorned with ivory tuning pegs. What sets this citharist apart from her contemporaries is the garland of ivy that encircles her head. This symbol of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theater, identifies her as a poetess or a muse. The ivy garland is a common attribute of Sappho, the legendary Greek poetess from the island of Lesbos, who was renowned for her lyric poetry. The engraving's meticulous detail and lifelike quality are reminiscent of the frescoes discovered in ancient sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum. The use of chiaroscuro, the contrast between light and dark, adds depth and dimension to the image, making it a captivating work of art that transports us back in time. Tommaso Piroli's "The Citharist with Ivy Garland" is an evocative representation of the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece and Rome. It invites us to contemplate the beauty of music, poetry, and the natural world, and to appreciate the enduring influence of classical art on contemporary culture.
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