In Greek mythology Achilles was the son of Thetis, a sea-nymph. Here Thetis is shown dipping the newly-born Achilles into the river Styx, in the hope that the river's magical properties would protect him. Achilles became a legendary hero, but was killed by an arrow to his heel, the one part of his body left vulnerable.

This group was commissioned by Colonel Thomas Johnes and was originally displayed in his magnificent conservatory, at Haford, Cardiganshire. Marine symbols are depicted around the base. The heads of the figures are portraits of Johnes's second wife Jane, and their infant daughter Mariamne. The plinth on which the sculpture sits is almost certainly original; interestingly it incorporated a cupboard. At a later date the original mahogany surface was given a painted marbled finish; one panel of this has been retained as a record of this later finish.

Thomas Banks (1735-1805) was apprenticed to a London mason, but also spent time working alongside the sculptor Peter Scheemakers (1691-1781). He enrolled in the life classes held at the St Martin's Lane Academy, and later at the Royal Academy Schools. In 1772 he became the first sculptor to win the Royal Academy's three-year travelling stipend, and went with his wife to Rome, where he eventually spent seven years. He specialised in ideal works, most of which were executed in Rome for British patrons, although he continued to produce similar work after his return to London. He was made a Royal Academician in 1786. Banks was one of the most original British Neo-classical sculptors, who dedicated his work to the antique spirit rather than to the fashionable classical style alone.. He tried to establish a market for modern gallery sculpture , which was particular for most patrons at the time preferred restored antique marbles, replicas, pastiches, busts and memorials.

Gallery location:
Sculpture, Room 22, The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Galleries, case FS

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.

Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London