John William Waterhouse : Hylas and the Nymphs (1896)

(Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester, UK)

A painting by the Enlish artist John William Waterhouse (1849-1917). This piece depicts a scene from Greek mythology. According to the tale, Hylas was the son of king Theiodamas of the Dryopes who became a companion of Hercules after he had killed Theiodamas. During the search of the Golden Fleece Hylas was sent to find some fresh water. Hylas found the spring of Pegae which was also the home of a group of naiad water nymphs. One of the nymphs, Dryope, reached up through the water, and taking hold of Hylas pulled him beneath the surface of the spring - never to be seen again. Waterhouse shows Hylas while being surrounded by the nymphs with one of the nymph holding his wrist and elbow, and a second plucksing at his tunic - seconds before the nymphs pull Hylas in. Painting from 1896.