Experience the Iconic Sleeping Hermaphroditus at the Rijksmuseum's Metamorphoses Exhibition in Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is set to host a remarkable masterpiece from the Musée du Louvre, Paris: the world-renowned sculpture, Sleeping Hermaphroditus. Beginning 6 February 2026, this significant work will be a highlight of the Metamorphoses exhibition, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see a piece that bridges ancient Roman artistry with Baroque intervention by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The Sleeping Hermaphroditus is famed for Bernini’s 17th-century addition of a strikingly realistic marble mattress and pillow to the original 2nd-century CE Roman body. This ingenious detail transformed the ancient sculpture into a compelling example of both classical and Baroque art, making it an iconic piece in art history.
Exploring Metamorphoses at the Rijksmuseum
The Metamorphoses exhibition delves into how artists across centuries have drawn inspiration from Ovid's influential epic poem of the same name. Featuring over 80 masterpieces, the exhibition brings together works by celebrated artists such as Titian, Correggio, Cellini, Caravaggio, Rubens, Rodin, Bourgeois, and Bernini. These artworks have been generously loaned from museums and collections worldwide, creating a comprehensive exploration of the poem's lasting impact.
Presented in collaboration with the Galleria Borghese, Rome, the Metamorphoses exhibition is scheduled to run at the Rijksmuseum from 6 February to 25 May 2026. It offers a deep dive into themes of transformation, desire, and myth through various artistic interpretations.
The Iconic Sleeping Hermaphroditus on Display
The Roman sculpture, unearthed in 1618, was originally presented to Cardinal Scipione Borghese. He commissioned Bernini to craft a fitting base for the reclining figure. Bernini’s artistic touch, a contemporary marble mattress and pillow that subtly indents under the figure's weight, endowed the ancient work with an astonishing naturalism. This technique, which Bernini later used in other commissions for Scipione, showcases his genius in harmonizing classical form with dramatic realism. The Sleeping Hermaphroditus has been a part of the Louvre collection since its acquisition in the early 19th century.
Ovid's Metamorphoses includes the tale of the nymph Salmacis and Hermaphroditus. The story recounts Salmacis's intense love for the youth Hermaphroditus and her plea to the gods for them to be forever united. As Hermaphroditus bathed in a spring, Salmacis embraced him, leading their bodies to merge into one, making him both man and woman. This narrative explores complex themes of desire, lust, and power.
To discover more about cultural experiences and exhibitions in Amsterdam, explore Musemap (musemap.art). You can browse other museums in Amsterdam or see what's on during your visit.
