Nydia, the Blind Girl of Pompeii c. 1855 - 1860

"Nydia, the Blind Girl of Pompeii" is a marble sculpture by Randolph Rogers, created between 1855 and 1860. It depicts a blind girl from Pompeii, a Roman city that was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Rogers, a renowned American sculptor, was inspired by the story of Nydia, a character from Bulwer-Lytton's novel "The Last Days of Pompeii." The sculpture captures a moment of tragedy and desperation, with Nydia reaching out with her hands, her face contorted in fear. The intricate detail of her clothing and the crumbling stone base add a sense of realism to the sculpture. The work is a testament to Rogers's skill and the power of storytelling in art.