I've added another Nouveau era chalkware goddess to my collection this week, --behold, Sappho, the ancient Greek poetess from the island of Lesbos. This particular piece is attributed to French artist Jean Jacques Pradier, and depicts Sappho in a contemplative pose, as often seen with elements related to her poetic legacy, in this case, a lyre etched on the side of a vase. This subtly colored (original patina) sculpture also captures her with flowing hair and drapery, conveying both beauty and introspection. She stands nearly 3 feet tall too, making her the largest (and heaviest) piece of antique chalkware in my collection, --and likely the oldest as well-- and as with most chalk compositions of this age, she does have a number of typical, unavoidable bumps and bruises.
