De nimf Echo

Ferdinand Leenhoff, 1888

Ferdinand Leenhoff (1841 - 1914). The nymph Echo. Marble. According to the myth, the nymph Echo was in love with the handsome youth Narcissus. But Narcissus did not return her love, and after his death Echo was left behind, overcome by grief. She pined away until there was nothing left of her but her voice. According to the Roman poet Ovid, Echo was condemned by the goddess Juno to ceaselessly repeat the words spoken to her. Exept for the title there is nothing which indicates why this naked female figure represents Echo. Ferdinand Leenhoff gave the nymph the features of his wife. The statue was donated to the Rijksmuseum by the philanthropist Peter Wilhelm Jansen (1821 - 1903), director of the Deli concern, whose fortune was

  • Artwork typesculpture
  • Object numberBK-B-78
  • Dimensionsheight 190 cm x width 62 cm x depth 62 cm, weight 400 kg
  • Physical characteristicswit marmer