De nimf Echo 1888

Ferdinand Leenhoff carved this marble sculpture of the nymph Echo sometime in the late 19th century. Echo, in Greek mythology, was punished by Hera and deprived of her own voice, only able to repeat the words of others. The myth, popular at this time, is usually interpreted as an allegory of unrequited love. It's interesting to think about how academic sculpture in France, which was usually exhibited in salons, echoed classical styles and themes while also reflecting contemporary anxieties about language and communication. The female nude, a staple of the Academy, was a highly codified form. The apparent naturalism concealed a complex set of rules and expectations. To fully understand this work, we can research the role of the French Academy and the Paris Salon, as well as the contemporary literary and philosophical interest in mythology and language. This will allow us to better understand the social and institutional contexts that gave meaning to this sculpture.