The artwork, titled “Apollo and Daphne,” is a sculpture created by Arno Breker in the year 1940. Representing a classical theme, this piece falls under the genre of sculpture.
The artwork vividly depicts the mythological scene of Apollo pursuing Daphne. The figures are rendered with remarkable detail and dynamism, capturing the intense motion and emotion of the chase. Apollo, characterized by his muscular physique, strides forward with a determined expression, reaching out towards Daphne, who is portrayed in a graceful, albeit desperate, attempt to flee. The drapery and hair are sculpted to suggest the wind-swept movement, adding to the overall sense of urgency and fluidity in the scene. Intricate details such as the leaves beginning to sprout from Daphne’s fingers invite a deeper engagement with the mythological narrative, encapsulating the moment she transforms into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s grasp. The interplay of light and shadow on this monochromatic bas-relief accentuates the dramatic tension and lifelike textures inherent in Breker’s masterful execution.
