The two figures were bought in Rome by John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700), probably during his Grand Tour of 1683-84.
The figure with flowing robes and a quiver of arrows certainly represents Narcissus; the identity of the other scantily-clad figure is less clear.
It was always thought to represent Phineus, a spurned lover of Andromeda, turned to stone by Perseus after causing trouble at the wedding of Perseus and Andromeda.
However, a representation of Winter has recently been suggested.
Each figure has notches cut into the base which relate to their originally having been mounted on the rims of two marble basins, piped for flowing water and located in the Marble Hall at Burghley.
The 1688 Burghley Inventory records: ‘The Marble Salloon Roome, 2 Marble fountaines with figures on Them.’
The figures are 60 cm high.
