Antonio and Piero del Pollaiolo
This tiny picture has grand themes: it presents the very popular mythological story from the Roman poet Ovid, who told it in his Metamorphoses. It is about a completely ordinary story: the rivalry of the gods and the power and danger of love. Cupid, taking revenge on Apollo for his teasing, struck the god with a golden arrow of love, igniting a fierce desire for Daphne. He also struck Daphne with an arrow that caused her to reject Apollo. She fled until her father Peneus, the river god, helped her to escape Apollo’s embrace: he transformed her into a laurel tree.
The painting was once thought to be part of a piece of decorated furniture (a cassone, an Italian marriage chest), but it was probably made as an independent painting. The delicacy of the minute details, like the flowers scattered across the hillside and the reflection of the trees in the river, along with the subtle painting of the distant, hazy mountains, suggest it was meant to be admired close up. Beautiful, isn't it?
Regarding Italian Renaissance: to all the fans, please check our latest online course on the Renaissance in Florence! :)
P.S. Luckily, not all mythical relationships involve violence. Learn about 5 mythical love stories depicted in art from around the world.