The nymph Echo

Ferdinand Leenhoff (1841 - 1914). The nymph Echo. Marble. According to the myth, the nymph Echo was in love with the handsome youth Narcissus. But Narcissus did not return her love, and after his death Echo was left behind, overcome by grief. She pined away until there was nothing left of her but her voice. According to the Roman poet Ovid, Echo was condemned by the goddess Juno to ceaselessly repeat the words spoken to her. Except for the title there is nothing which indicates why this naked female figure represents Echo. Ferdinand Leenhoff gave the nymph the features of his wife.