Hylas and the Nymphs

1632 · Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence

mythological

Furini was much appreciated for his poetic application of Leonardo's sfumato to the representation of shapely nudes. The episode, a tragic one, is related in classical fashion: Hylas was Hercules's beloved armor-bearer on the adventure of the Golden Fleece. Attracted by his beauty, a water nymph pulled him under the waves and he was seen no more.

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About the Artist

Francesco Furini

1603 – 1646

Florentine painter of biblical and mythological subjects heavy with female nudes, and of single half-length nudes in oppressive bluish tones with strong sfumato. In the 1630s he became a priest and devoted himself to religious works in the manner of Guido Reni.

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