Age Before Beauty
We created this piece amid a barrage of media and cultural images that urge women to criticize their own appearance. Unsurprisingly, we are taught to find ourselves lacking in one way or many, and to compare ourselves with a “perfection” that doesn’t exist. Amid the impossible ideals and immortal tales of the ancient Greeks, one honey-tongued lyrical poet spoke the plain truth.
This is our 23rd broadside, created in hopes that all women might see themselves both with Aphrodite’s gaze and Athena’s wisdom.
“To be human is to grow old.”
— Sappho
You can learn more about this piece on our blog.
Year created
2016
At issue
Body image and self-esteem
Edition size
158 prints
Significance of edition number
The recently-discovered “Fragment 58” of Sappho’s poetry. Our broadside quotes an excerpt of Josephine Balmer’s recent re-translation of the fragment.
Donation
A portion of the proceeds were donated to About Face, to help all women and girls resist negative media messages and see themselves in a more positive light.