Apollo and Daphne
- Artist: Piero del Pollaiuolo
- Date: probably 1470-80
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "Apollo and Daphne" by Piero del Pollaiuolo. The story behind this painting comes from the Metamorphoses, a book of myths by Roman poet Ovid. Cupid strikes Apollo with a golden arrow, causing him to fall in love with Daphne, but also hits her with an arrow that makes her reject his advances.
Daphne is shown being transformed into a laurel tree as she flees from Apollo's pursuit. The painting has grand themes: the rivalry of the gods, the power and danger of desire, and the tragedy of unrequited love. You can see the details in the flowers scattered across the hillside and the reflection of the trees in the river.
The artist has set the scene in the Florentine countryside, with the valley of the river Arno visible in the background. The painting was once thought to be part of a decorated piece of furniture, but it's likely that it was made as an independent work. Its delicate details suggest it was meant to be admired up close by an educated patron.
Pollaiuolo's use of subtle colors and hazy backgrounds creates a sense of depth and atmosphere in the painting. The scene is frozen in time, with Apollo caught in mid-pursuit and Daphne transformed into a tree. It's a beautiful and poignant work that captures the essence of a timeless myth.
See it in person
Apollo and Daphne hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
