Well-head with Narcissus and Echo, and Hylas and the Nymphs

Excavated in 1797 by Robert Fagan near Tor Boacciana. Acquired in 2019.
Date: Antonine or Severan. H. 1.26 (1.04 exluding the base), diam. 0.67.

Two stories have been combined on this marble well-head (puteal): that of Narcissus and Echo, and that of Hylas abducted by the nymphs. The myths are bound together by water that flows beneath the figures, encircling the well-head.

In front of Narcissus the nymph Echo pours water from a jug, thus creating a stream. Narcissus is looking down at the water, at his own reflection, which is also depicted.

Hylas was abducted by water nymps as he was fetching water for the Argonauts on their quest to find the Golden Fleece. He vanished into the water and perished.

Inv. nr. 2019.7. Paschetto 1912, nr. 35. Photos: Metropolitan Museum of Art. Drawing: Guattani 1805, Tav. VIII. MMA info.