Anatomy of a Masterpiece: Part 4 of 5: Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne
Aneta Georgievska-Shine, professor of art history, University of Maryland

Apollo and Daphne: A sculptural tour de force from Bernini’s youth (ca. 1622-1625), this masterpiece from the Borghese Gallery brings before our eyes the story of the nymph Daphne who transforms into a laurel tree as she flees her otherwise invincible pursuer Apollo. One of the most memorable aspects of his rendering of this famous myth is his emphasis on this crucial moment: as Daphne’s toes are turning into roots, her fingers turn into leaves, and tree bark reaches up her torso, preventing Apollo from touching her flesh. In this lecture, we examine the manifold dimensions of this artistic choice.

$15 door fee for guests and subscribers