ΦΑΙΝΟΜΑΙ ΑΠΝΟΥΣ (I Seem to Be Breathless)
Item
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Title
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ΦΑΙΝΟΜΑΙ ΑΠΝΟΥΣ (I Seem to Be Breathless)
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Rights
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The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Public Domain.
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Creator
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Henry Tresham (1751-1814)
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Date
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1784
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Description
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An aquatint illustration in brown with borders on the page. “ΦΑΙΝΟΜΑΙ ΑΠΝΟΥΣ.” is printed under the center of the art with a small signature under the bottom right of the piece. Within the illustration, Sappho is depicted laying across the divot of a hill in distress and “breathless.” She is meant to be overwhelmed with love and passion for Phaon, as the illustration book this comes from is after the tale “La Avventure di Saffo” which chronicles the famous play/tale of her tragic romantic affair with Phaon. On the left of her hip, she balances a lyre, her right arm is raised over her head in distress with a small tool held between her index and thumb. Her robes cover her legs, but not her feet, stomach, breasts, or arms. She appears to have a long fabric veil-like garment draping from her head to her feet. To the left, behind her head, is foliage and a distinct tree reaching to the top of the artwork. To the right, there are tall trees in the more distant background reaching just above the middle of the page. Even further beyond is a faint, flatter landscape.
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Format
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Etching and aquatint on paper. Plate: 11 5/16 × 8 7/16 in. Sheet: 16 15/16 × 12 13/16 in.
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Language
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Greek
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Publisher
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The National Gallery of Art.
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Contributor
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Shenai Beyale
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Identifier
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The National Gallery of Art. 2016.171.1.14.
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Subject
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Sappho; lyre; La Avventure di Saffo; nature; art; aquatint; etching
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Source
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Jpg file. The National Gallery of Art. 10/28/2025. https://www.nga.gov/artworks/210433-fainomai-apnoys-i-seem-be-breathless
