Fallen in love with stone. The story of Pygmalion is a very old one. Right here stands a sculpture that brings this myth to life in a unique way. This is the Pygmalion Sculpture by Alan Thornhill.
This statue is not made of ivory like in the original Greek myth. It is crafted from cement. The artist Alan Thornhill gifted it in 2008. You can see the inscription at the bottom. It reads Pygmalion by Alan Thornhill. The Putney Sculpture Trail supports it. Wandsworth Council and the Western Riverside Development Trust also support it.
In Greek mythology Pygmalion was a sculptor. He lived in Amathus on Cyprus. He decided to create his ideal woman. He used ivory. In later stories this statue was named Galatea. Pygmalion fell in love with his creation. He gave her gifts. He showered her with kisses. He treated her as if she were real.
Pygmalion prayed to Aphrodite. He asked that Galatea would become real. Aphrodite was impressed by his skill. She gave the statue life. Pygmalion returned home. He kissed Galatea. Her lips were warm. They married. They had a daughter named Paphos.
George Bernard Shaw wrote a play called Pygmalion in 1913. It was inspired by the myth. The play is about a professor of language. He bets that he can transform a flower girl. He wants to pass her off as a lady. He struggles with his creation. She does not live up to his ideals.
The Pygmalion effect shows our expectations. High expectations make students rise to meet them. Low expectations cause bad behavior. The sculptor truly believed in his statue.
Many artists have depicted Pygmalion and Galatea. There are paintings by Bronzino. Jean-Léon Gérôme and Auguste Rodin also painted them. Many writers were inspired too. John Gower and John Dryden wrote poems. William Morris included the story in Earthly Paradise.
This Pygmalion Sculpture is accessible at all times. It is open to the public. Take a closer look. Notice the details in the cement. Imagine the love and dedication of the sculptor. Consider the power of art to bring dreams to life. This statue stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the enduring power of myth and art.