Apollo & Daphne
He chased a love that turned to laurel
Cursed by Eros, the god Apollo burns with desire for the nymph Daphne, who flees him; to save herself she begs her father, the river Peneus, and is turned into a laurel tree just as Apollo reaches her.
01Why it matters
It is the myth of unrequited desire and metamorphosis; Bernini's sculpture of it is a peak of the Baroque.
02The conflict
Apollo's desire against Daphne's will not to be possessed.
03The iconic moment
Daphne's fingers sprouting into leaves as Apollo touches her.
04What survived
The laurel crown; Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne" in the Borghese Gallery.
05Where to travel
06Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Apollo & Daphne famous?
It is the myth of unrequited desire and metamorphosis; Bernini's sculpture of it is a peak of the Baroque.
How does the story of Apollo & Daphne end?
Daphne's fingers sprouting into leaves as Apollo touches her. The laurel crown; Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne" in the Borghese Gallery.
Where can you visit the story of Apollo & Daphne?
You can visit Borghese Gallery, in Roma. Home to Bernini's sculpture.
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