Polyphemus the Cyclops is in love with the beautiful sea nymph Galatea. When he discovers that Galatea is attracted to the young shepherd Acis, he becomes so jealous that he threatens to crush him with a boulder. To save Acis’ life, Galatea turns her lover into a river. And all three remain alone. This work shows the mournful Galatea sleeping on a slope covered with flowers alongside the river that was once her beloved shepherd. The Cyclops can be seen behind the high mountain. His one black eye looks dreamily at his unattainable love. In the creatures that Redon depicted, the eye plays an important role as a reflection of the soul.
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