Pygmalion
The sculptor
Background
Pygmalion was a talented sculptor, who lived in Cyprus. He lost interest in women after seeing prostitutes in town. He saw women as flawed individuals and chose to ignore them. He put more time in his sculpting and eventually carved Galatea, a statue of a woman made out of ivory. The statue, Galatea, was a representation of his ideal woman.
Pygmalion working on Galatea
Pygmalion worked so hard on Galatea that the statue became the most beautiful woman that had been created or ever existed.
Galatea
Was a statue of a woman carved out of ivory, made by Pygmalion.
Pygmalion in love
He sculpted Galatea with affection and found himself in love with her.
Galatea
Pygmalion would dress the sculpture in fine clothing and give her gifts he thought she would enjoy. Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty. Aphrodite saw Pygmalion's love for Galatea and felt bad for him. Pygmalion went to Aphrodite's temple to sacrifice a bull. While burning the offering the flames shot up three times giving him a sign. He went home and noticed something different about Galatea, he kissed her and her lips were warm. Aphrodite had made Galatea come alive. Soon the two were married and they often visited Aphrodite's temple because of the great deed she had done. This story has been a big inspiration to artist all around the world.
Galatea and Pygmalion
Aphrodite, the goddess of love, gave life to the statue Galatea.
The prayer to Aphrodite
By making the sculpture, it was a prayer to Aphrodite who knew what Pygmalion wanted, which was love.
The myth
The story of Pygmalion and Galatea is one of the most known Greek mythology stories.
Works Sited
"The Myth of Pygmalion and Galatea." The Myth of Pygmalion and Galatea. Greek Myths & Greek Mythology, 2016. Web. 01 Feb. 2016.
http://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/myth-of-pygmalion-and-galatea/