Sculpture of the Day: Narcissus by William Theed, the Younger, 1845

Narcissus
William Theed, The Younger
1845
The Royal Collection

We all know the story of Narcissus—the youth who was so enchanted by the sight of his own reflection. As the story goes, Narcissus saw his visage reflected in the water and wished to speak to the beauty he saw beneath him. Frustrated that he could not speak to his beloved, he wept bitterly. As his tears fell into the water, they disturbed the reflection, causing it to distort and disappear. He was so upset by the loss of his love, that he died of a broken heart. Sounds like someone needed a hobby.


Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had a hobby. They liked to collect things and be surrounded by beautiful art. While they were remodeling Buckingham Palace (upon discovering that it really was kind of a mess), they employed sculptor William Theed, The Younger, to assist them with many of the ornaments of the palace. They became quite fond of Theed and his work and invited him to work with them on renovations to Osborne House. They also collected a number of the artist’s sculptures. This marble figure of Narcissus was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1845.