Sappho in the Making

This interdisciplinary study examines how Sappho's songs were interpreted during key historical periods. Sappho in the Making offers fresh insights into her cultural impact.

This book presents a comprehensive interdisciplinary exploration of the cultural practices and ideological frameworks that influenced the interpretation of Sappho's songs during the significant periods of her reception: the late archaic, classical, and early Hellenistic eras. In Sappho in the Making, Dimitrios Yatromanolakis delves into the intricate connections between visual art and ancient texts, examining them in both their synchronic and diachronic contexts. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of how the figure of Sappho was constructed and understood throughout history.

Yatromanolakis provides a systematic analysis of contextual elements, particularly through the lens of vase paintings and the social institution of the symposion. By doing so, the book uncovers the various ways in which Sappho's poetry was integrated into different social, aesthetic, and performative settings. This multifaceted investigation reveals the complexity of Sappho's influence and the diverse interpretations of her work.

Drawing on a range of disciplines, including archaeology, papyrology, and anthropology, Sappho in the Making introduces a new methodological framework for examining the reception of archaic Greek socio-aesthetic cultures. This innovative approach not only sheds light on Sappho's legacy but also contributes to a broader understanding of the cultural dynamics at play in ancient Greece.