The Greek inscription on the pitcher held by the boy in this
sculpture can be translated as ‘beautiful Hylas’. In Greek literature, Hylas
was the youthful companion of the hero Heracles (Hercules). As he was fetching
water from a spring, the water nymphs, or Naiads, were captivated by his beauty
and pulled him into the water, so that he could always live with them. Gibson
shows Hylas being seized by two water nymphs; the style and composition
strongly recall the work of Canova, whom Gibson greatly admired.