Dish with Hermaphroditus and the Nymph Salmacis

Based on a poem by the ancient Roman poet Ovid, the colorful images on this dish would have tested its Renaissance owner’s knowledge of popular stories. Three moments from the lives of Hermaphroditus and Salmacis are portrayed on the dish, painted by one of the most illustrious pottery painters of the 16th century.

One day, Hermaphroditus chose to bathe in a pool (center), home to the water nymph Salmacis. Upon seeing him bathing, Salmacis was immediately enamored, indicated by Cupid appearing beside her at left. Her advances rejected, the nymph pleaded with the gods never to separate her from her lover. Salmacis’ wish was granted, shown at right, where she and Hermaphroditus share a single arm, a reference to their ultimate fusion into a single being with both male and female characteristics.