Hermaphroditus and Salmacis (Hermaphrodite et Salmacis)Painting by Sisto Badalocchio (1585-1647)Hermaphroditus encountered the nymph; Salmacis; in her pool. She was overcome by lust for the boy; who was very handsome but still young; and tried to seduce him; but was rejected. When he thought her to be gone; Hermaphroditus undressed and entered the waters of the empty pool. Salmacis sprang out from behind a tree and jumped into the pool. She wrapped herself around the boy; forcibly kissing him and touching his breast. While he struggled; she called out to the gods that they should never part. Her wish was granted; and their bodies blended into one form; 'a creature of both sexes'.Oil on canvas (1610)Rome. Galleria Pallavicini2018