Mistress of the poet’s heart: On reading Lesbia’s iconography

Abstrakt

This paper takes an issue of iconography of Catullus character – Lesbia. It discusses examples of artworks from the 18th and 19th centuries. The study of art pieces’ formal aspects and their comparing analysis with the poetic background are essential to determine and characterise the reception of Lesbia’s motive in art. The discussed theme is also related to the way of her representation. It is seen not only in the context of visual interpretation of poetry but also as referencing to ancient art. The problem with Lesbia’s images is considered on two levels. On the one side, it is connected with Catullus’s poems, especially Carmina 2 and 3. Two types of her images appear – “playing with pet sparrows” and “weeping over sparrow death”. On the other side of the artwork two ways of her depiction are visible. These are with Catullus’ companion and as single portrayed. They include her images as a child, young girl, and adult woman. Among them Lesbia is presented as indifferent towards lovers’ courting, flirting, or struggling with loss and death. In that context, her iconography is not only a reference to the poetic background but also it is read as an interpretation of her character by Classicism and Neoclassicism artist.