Vielfalt im Blick – Identität und Perspektiven in der Kunst

The naiad of the fountain of Salmacis is consumed with love for Hermaphroditus, a son of Hermes and Aphrodite. As this love is not reciprocated, Salmacis asks the gods to melt their two bodies and tempts the youth into her fountain. This fountain will turn all those who bathe in it into hermaphrodites. The picture composition enhances the erotic character of the scene: while the nymph, secretly and unobserved, watches the handsome youth, she herself reveals her charms.