Sappho and Phaon
Jacques-Louis David · 1809
Why it's great
The ancient Greek poet Sappho, with a lyre, looks at the ferryman Phaon, as Cupid watches. David painted it near the end of his career. The soft style is a bit sweeter than his earlier art. It's an elegant and romantic scene.
Where to see it
📍 Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Jacques-Louis David was born in Paris and became the greatest painter of the Neoclassical style, inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. He supported the French Revolution and later became Napoleon's official painter. After Napoleon fell, he was forced into exile and spent his last years in Brussels, Belgium. He taught many famous students and shaped French art for generations.
