Sleeping Hermaphroditus at the Louvre, Paris, France

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The Sleeping Hermaphroditus is a renowned ancient marble sculpture depicting a life-sized Hermaphroditus reclining on a lavish mattress crafted by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1620. The figure is partly derived from ancient depictions of Venus and other female nudes, as well as contemporaneous Hellenistic portrayals of Dionysus/Bacchus with feminine characteristics. This subject was frequently repeated in Hellenistic times and ancient Rome, as evident from the numerous surviving versions. Hermaphroditus, the child born to Aphrodite and Hermes (Venus and Mercury), has long been a symbol of androgyny or effeminacy, often portrayed in Greco-Roman art as a female figure with male genitals. Theophrastus's account suggests a connection between Hermaphroditus and marriage institution. The fourth day of the month is a significant reference: it's considered the luckiest day to get married. Hermaphroditus's association with marriage appears to be that, by embodying both masculine and feminine qualities, he represents the union of men and women in sacred matrimony. Another factor linking Hermaphroditus to weddings was his parents' role in protecting and blessing brides. Hermaphroditus's name is derived from those of his parents Hermes and Aphrodite. All three gods are prominent figures among erotic and fertility deities, each possessing distinct sexual connotations. Sometimes, Hermaphroditus is also referred to as Aphroditus. The phallic god Priapus was the son of Hermes in some accounts, while the youthful god Eros was born to Hermes and Aphrodite, embodying desire.