Clytie

Art Historical Context

William Henry Rinehart'sClytie* (1869–70; carved 1872) is a masterful marble sculpture capturing the poignant Greek myth of the nymph Clytie, who pined for the sun god Apollo and transformed into a, forever turning toward the sun. This life-sized female nude (62 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 21 1/4 in.) neoclassical ideals, with Rinehart's precise carving evoking the smooth, luminous surfaces of ancient Greek and Roman statues. The inclusion of sunflowers in the adds a naturalistic touch, symbolizing eternal longing and devotion. As an exemplar of 19th-century American neoclassicism, the work showcases Rinehart's expertise in marble—a demanding medium prized for its translucency and durability, which allowed sculptors to mimic flesh and drapery with lifelike subtlety. Trained in Baltimore and later working in Rome, Rinehart bridged European traditions with American patronage, creating pieces that adorned public spaces and private collections. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing since its 1911 gift by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Herriman, *Clytie* highlights the era's fascination with classical mythology and the female form, inviting visitors to ponder themes of unrequited love amid its graceful poise.