Narcissus; 19th century or earlier.

Narcissus; Possibly 19th century copy or earlier.
Bronze.
Provenance: Collection Georges Savès (1908-1985)
Measurements: 12,8 cm (height).

This small sculpture follows the model of the famous work that is currently part of the collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and was found in 1862 in the house of Narcissus in Pompeii. The work achieved great popularity among collectors and Grand Tour travelers, thus giving rise to a large number of reproductions.
The classical myth of Narcissus, originating in Greek mythology, tells the story of a young man of extraordinary beauty who despised those who fell in love with him. The nymph Echo, condemned to repeat only the last words she heard, was one of his victims. Rejected by Narcissus, Echo faded into sadness, until only her voice remained.
As punishment for her arrogance, the gods made Narcissus fall in love with his own image reflected in the water. Unable to separate himself from his reflection, he died consumed by his impossible love. At the place of his death, a flower grew, bearing his name: the narcissus.

This piece comes from the collection of Georges Savès (1908-1985), a French numismatist and collector with a deep vocation for archaeological study. Heir to a family tradition of collecting, he devoted himself fully to historical and numismatic research since the 1950s, especially on Toulouse and Gallic coins. Throughout his life, he assembled an eclectic collection of archaeological, ethnographic and artistic pieces, enriched in 1966 with the acquisition of part of the Roger Bédiat collection. Author of specialized studies, his legacy remains a reference in the academic and patrimonial fields.