Pygmalion and Galatea 1890

Jean-Léon Gérôme's "Pygmalion and Galatea" (1890) depicts the mythical sculptor Pygmalion embracing his sculpted creation, Galatea, who has come to life. The scene is set in Pygmalion's studio, filled with other sculptures, including a dramatic portrait of a woman and several smaller busts. The realism and detail characteristic of Gérôme's style are evident in the rendering of the figures, their expressions, and the studio's environment. The contrast between the white marble of Galatea and the vibrant colors of Pygmalion's clothing, a deep blue tunic, creates a striking visual effect. The painting's subject matter, inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses, explores themes of art, creation, and the power of love.