The Nymph Salmacis

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This statue of Salmacis, was created by Neoclassical sculptor Francois-Joseph Bosio. In Greek mythology, Salmacis was an atypical naiad/nymph, known for her attempted rape of Hermaphroditus. As noted in Ovid's Metamorphosis, after falling in love with the beautiful youth Salmacis prays to the gods that they were to be destined to be together forever. Her wish was taken too literally by the Gods who fused Salmacis and Hermaphroditos together, forming a hermaphrodite.