A beautiful Italian antique hand-painted gilt wood framed oil on board Neoclassical painting of an allegorical scene depicting Polyphemus and Galatea. In Greek mythology, Polyphemus, a giant Cyclops, fell in love with the sea nymph Galatea, who instead loved the shepherd Acis. Enraged by jealousy, Polyphemus crushed Acis with a boulder, prompting Galatea to turn her lover's blood into a river-god, immortalizing him, as famously told in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Key Aspects of the Myth: -The Unrequited Love: Polyphemus, son of Poseidon, attempted to woo Galatea with songs and gifts, though he was despised for his brutality. -The Murder: After finding Galatea and Acis together, Polyphemus killed Acis by throwing a huge rock from Mount Etna. -The Transformation: Galatea, a Nereid (sea-nymph), used her powers to transform the blood of Acis into a river in Sicily to make him an immortal river spirit. An antique early 19th century copy of the 17th century painting by Filippo Lauri Measures: 17"W x 1"D x 13.25"H. Very good original vintage condition.