Bust of Clytie turning her head to look at the sun. The calyx of the sunflower, into which she seems to be changing, forms part of the base of the bust. The bust stands on a Greek marble pedestal. Clytie was the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys, and after being deserted by her lover Apollo, she pined away and changed into a sunflower, which still turns its head towards the sun's course, as in pledge of her love.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Bust of Clytie, 1878
Date supported
1919
Medium and material
Marble
Dimensions
Height: 84 cm
Gifted by
Lady Battersea
Get a National Art Pass and explore Guildhall Art Gallery
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at Guildhall Art Gallery
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.