Editorial [Antae, Vol.7(1)]

Abstract

Simeon Solomon’s painting, here used metonymically for the contents of this issue, is highly intriguing. Sappho, adorned with the laurel, leans on and tightly embraces Erinna, a fellow Hellenic poet. Their figures are paralleled: two birds above them (presumably, some form of dove) face each other, beak to beak. Next to Erinna, a goat, turned away. Next to the doves, a lonesome blackbird or crow. At their feet, some stray flowers and petals, presumably blown with the wind but nonetheless a mystery; after all, the plant life behind the two women shows no signs—or even capabilities—of blooming. [excerpt]