Sweetbitter: The Literary Legacies and Afterlives of Sappho

The ancient poet Sappho coined “sweetbitter” in one of her most evocative verses, still striking us to the heart nearly three millennia later. But who was Sappho? As with so many ancient figures, she is more legend than person today, her story told and retold even as her poetry continues to enchant and move us.

Ranging from ancient Greece to seventeenth century France to twentieth century Britain, this exhibit will explore Sappho as poet, muse, and icon. The exhibit, Sweetbitter: The Literary Legacies and Afterlives of Sappho, will be on display in the RBML through May 2025.