What I can see

It is a full-body 1.2-metre-tall sculpture, made of cast iron. It depicts a boy, who is half-naked with only a piece of fabric covering the genitals. In his left hand, he carries a musical instrument, which falls behind one leg. His right hand holds a vase, from which the water flows. Access to the mechanism of the fountain is provided through the back of the body. 

What I can't see

Neither the exact time of construction nor the sculptor’s name are known. Its Parisian style points less to the modern period of Greek sculpture and more to the decorative sculptures of the 19^th century. The theme and technique are reminiscent of the sculptures of the Hellenistic and Roman periods, which decorated villas and gardens. In fact, luxurious Roman villas have been found in the Zappeion and the National Garden area. This so-called Hellenistic Rococo style of sculpture, incorporated themes from daily life and depicted antiheroes (e.g. children, old people, grotesque figures, animals). It also provided an antidote of lightness to the more heroic, idealistic and strict form of classical sculpture. 

Info

• Address: Zappeion Garden

Bibliography