Story about Hylas and the Nymphs

Hylas and the Nymphs is an 1896 oil painting by John William Waterhouse. The painting depicts a moment from the Greek and Roman legend of the tragic youth Hylas. The painting Hylas and the Nymphs was acquired from the artist by the Manchester Art Gallery in 1896.

In January 2018 removed the painting from public display, after a decision "taken by gallery staff with artist Sonia Boyce." The decision, the curator stated, was "influenced by recent movements against the objectification and exploitation of women" such as the MeToo campaign and the Presidents Club controversy. She denied the removal constituted any form of censorship, stating, "we want to see this as the start of a process, not an end point," and providing visitors with Post-It notes to air their views; in the meantime, postcards of the painting were removed from the gift shop.

A "strong backlash" followed the decision. Art historian and author Elizabeth Prettejohn, who had previously curated a Waterhouse exhibition at the Royal Academy, disputed the claims about "public debate", stating that "taking [the painting] off display is killing any kind of debate that you might be able to have." After one week, the Manchester City Council, which runs the gallery, returned the painting to the wall. "It's been clear that many people feel very strongly about the issues raised," stated the council in the announcement.

Art censorship is the suppression, alteration, or restriction of artistic expression by authorities, institutions, or groups based on political, moral, or religious objections. It involves controlling, hiding, or destroying works deemed obscene, blasphemous, or politically dangerous to protect social values or maintain power (Center for art law).

By the way the painting is about Hylas was sent to find fresh water. He found a pond occupied by Naiads, and they lured Hylas into the water and they drowned him.