Pygmalion and Galatea

Only those whose love is strong and unwavering are granted the favour of great Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

The painting tells the story of the gifted young sculptor Pygmalion — a vivid example of the goddess’s mercy. Pygmalion lived and worked on the island of Crete, leading a solitary life and avoiding marriage. One day he carved a woman of extraordinary beauty from ivory and fell deeply in love with his own creation.

The sculptor’s love was so pure and powerful that Aphrodite heard his desperate prayers and brought the statue to life. Pygmalion named his beloved Galatea.