Pygmalion

Pygmalion was a sculptor on the island of Cyprus who was repulsed by the flaws he saw in mortal women. He poured all his skill and passion into carving an ivory statue of a woman more beautiful and perfect than any living person — a figure he named Galatea.

To his own surprise and dismay, Pygmalion fell deeply in love with his creation. He dressed the statue in fine clothes, brought it gifts, and spoke to it as though it could hear. He treated the cold ivory as though it were a living woman, kissing its lips and caressing its face.

During the festival of Aphrodite, Pygmalion prayed at the goddess's altar — not daring to ask directly, but wishing for a wife "like" his ivory maiden. Aphrodite, understanding his true desire, breathed life into the statue. When Pygmalion returned home and kissed Galatea, her ivory lips softened and warmed. She opened her eyes and looked upon her creator, and they married.