Pygmalion and Galatea – A story for Valentine’s Day

Pygmalion and Galatea – A story for Valentine’s Day

The story behind the painting of Pygmalion and Galatea by Ernest Normand

Normand, Ernest; Pygmalion and Galatea; Atkinson Art Gallery Collection; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/pygmalion-and-galatea-66179

Normand, Ernest; Pygmalion and Galatea; Atkinson Art Gallery Collection

Pygmalion worked so long and with such inspiration on the statue of Galatea, that it became more beautiful than any woman that had ever lived or been carved in stone.

As he finished the statue’s features, they became exquisitely lovely, and he found himself applying the strokes of hammer and chisel with increasing affection. When his chisel finally stopped ringing, there stood before him a woman of such perfection that Pygmalion, who had professed his disdain of all females, fell deeply in love.

He would bring it gifts, caress it, kiss it and talk to it every day. He brought it gifts he thought women would enjoy, such as pretty seashells, beads, songbirds, baubles and flowers.

He would dress the statue in fine clothing, and put rings on her fingers, necklaces around her neck and even earrings. However, what irony that he who had scorned women should fall in love with a woman who could never love him in return!

Thanks to Greek Myths website for the copy 

Posted on 14 February 2019 under Exhibitions

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