THORVALDSEN, Bertel
(b. 1768/70, København, d. 1844, København)

Hylas Abducted by the Nymphs

1831
Marble, 41 x 76 cm
Thorvaldsens Museum, Copenhagen

Hylas in Greek mythology is a handsome youth, the companion and servant of Hercules during the expedition of the Argonauts. After they made landfall one evening he was sent with a pitcher to find fresh water and came upon a spring where Naiads, the nymphs of fountains and streams, were bathing. Captivated by his beauty the nymphs dragged him down into the water, and that was the last anyone saw him.