The artwork titled “Apollo and Daphne,” created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo between 1743 and 1744, is an oil painting on canvas. It exemplifies the Rococo art movement and measures 96 by 79 centimeters. This mythological painting is housed in the Louvre in Paris, France.
This masterful rococo painting depicts the dramatic mythological scene of Apollo and Daphne. The figures of Apollo and Daphne are prominently featured, capturing the exact moment of transformation and pursuit. Apollo, adorned with a laurel wreath and draped in vibrant red fabric, reaches fervently towards Daphne, whose expression and gestures depict a mix of distress and resistance. Daphne’s transformation into a laurel tree is visibly starting, with her arms raised and fingers sprouting leaves. The dynamic and swirling composition is accentuated by the warm and rich color palette typical of the Rococo style. The backdrop hints at a twilight landscape, with distant mountains and trees, lending an atmospheric depth to the scene. The presence of additional mythological characters enhances the storytelling richness and adds layers of complexity to the depiction.
