Jean-Leon Gerome: Pygmalion & Galatea

I first saw this painting while in NYC at the Metropolitian Museum of Art. The painting depicts the greek myth of Pygmalion, King of Cyprus after he has scultped his ideal woman. He named his sculpture Galatea and it was so beautiful that he fell in love with his own creation. Aphrodite, Goddess of love brought the statue to life. Everytime I look at this piece I can't help but smile.