#mythological sculpture

Antonio Canova (1757-1822)
“Herm of a Vestal Virgin” (1821–1822)
Marble
Neoclassical
Located in the Getty Center, Los Angeles, California, United States

Vestal Virgins, consecrated to Vesta, Roman goddess of the hearth, served in temples as guardians of an eternal, sacred flame and were expected to emulate the goddess’s purity and chastity.

James Pradier (1790-1852)
“Hurt Niobid” (1822)
Marble
Neoclassical
Located in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, France

In Greek mythology, the Niobids were the children of Amphion of Thebes and Niobe, slain by Apollo and Artemis because Niobe had boastfully compared her greater number of children with those of Leto, Apollo’s and Artemis’ mother; this is a classic example of hubris.

Augustin Pajou (1730-1809)
“Mercury” (1780)
Marble
Located in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, France