Galatea was a sea-nymph. She is here seen on a shell supported by dolphins, surrounded by music-making sea-creatures, clasped by Acis, a handsome youth with whom she was in love, but who aroused the jealousy of Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant. The nymph restraining Acis's embrace may be warning the couple of Polyphemus's anger, which was to lead to his killing Acis. Another figure in the background appears to point upwards to where Polyphemus is sitting above the scene. The lively composition and assured handling of the marble are typical of the work of Artus Quellinus, who executed the sculptural decoration of Amsterdam Town Hall.