3-095-234 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Sappho on the Leucadian Cliff, 1801. Scene inspired by the 'Leucadian Leap' of Ancient Greek poet Sappho in her attempt to be freed from her hopeless love for Phaon. The 200-foot white Leucadian cliffs give the island of Leucas its Greek name. In antiquity the cliffs served as a trial by ordeal (the "Leucadian leap") for accused persons, survivors being picked up by boat. According to legend, Sappho, desperate with love, ended her life there.