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This week’s picture comes from the Harris Museum collection and is a sculpture by George Frederick Watts. The sculpture is of the sea-nymph Clytie, captured here in black and white to highlight the marble.

According to mythology, Clytie waiting on rocks for the sun god Helios. She waited so long that her feet became rooted in the sand and her golden hair was changed into the yellow rays of a sunflower and she still turns toward the sun. Six versions of the sculpture were made in marble, bronze, plaster and terracotta. The bronze version can be found in the Tate Gallery in London.

The bust dates from 1868 and was purchased in 1906. It’s one of many great exhibits at the Harris Museum which is also getting a new history gallery this Guild year, thanks largely to the Heritage Lottery Fund. I make a point of calling in at the Harris on a fairly regular basis and always find something of interest.

Photo: Fuji x100 1/60 f2.8 ISO 250

Paul Melling [Paul Melling Photography]