Clytie

ca. 1868–75

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 516

A Victorian painter and sculptor associated with the Symbolist movement, George Frederic Watts used art to communicate “ideas, not things.” In this sculpture, he conveys the torment of desire by representing the mythological ocean nymph Clytie as she is metamorphosed into a sunflower at the command of the sun god Apollo, object of her unrequited affection. Petals sensuously envelop her body, while her twisting head follows the sun on its course. Watts painted the plaster to warm her flesh. This is said to be the original plaster model.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Clytie
Artist: George Frederic Watts (British, London 1817–1904 London)
Date: ca. 1868–75
Culture: British, London
Medium: Painted plaster
Dimensions: weight confirmed: 34 in., 60.4 lb. (86.4 cm, 27.4 kg)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Walter L. Palmer, 1908
Object Number: 08.131
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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