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NICOLAS POUSSIN (1594-1665)
Polyphemus discovering Acis and Galatea
RCIN 911940
According to Ovid, Polyphemus, a monstrous one-eyed Cyclops, fell in love with the sea-nymph Galatea, and tried to win her by grooming his unkempt appearance. Her heart belonged to Acis, a beautiful youth. When he discovered the couple embracing, Polyphemus hurled a bolder at them and crushed Acis to death.
Acquired by Frederick, Prince of Wales, by 175
