Apollo and Daphne by Bernini: A Masterpiece Analysis

Apollo and Daphne: A Baroque Masterpiece

1. Background

Apollo and Daphne is a sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, created between 1622 and 1625. It is housed in the Galleria Borghese in Rome.

• Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
• Style: Baroque
• Date: 1622-25
• Material: Marble
• Technique: Figura exenta (sculpture in the round)

2. Historical and Cultural Context

Historical Context: The 17th century was a period of crisis and progress, marked by social conflict, economic stagnation, pestilence, and war. However, it also saw the rise of colonial empires.

Cultural Context: Rome was the artistic center of the 17th century, witnessing significant advancements in opera and other art forms.

Religious Context: The Catholic Church reaffirmed its principles, strengthening the papacy and the Jesuit order to counter the Reformation.

3. Bernini and Baroque Aesthetics

Bernini's figure embodies the passions of the Baroque era, reflecting the aesthetic soul of the period. Key characteristics include:

• Religious themes, allegorical representations, and heroic figures.
• Monumental fountains.
• Emphasis on movement, with centrifugal forces projecting outwards.
• Expressive gestures and dynamic forms.
• Dramatic use of light and shadow to create visual intensity.
• Naturalism and attention to textures.

4. Other Sculptors of the Period

• Alessandro Algardi: Known for The Beheading of Saint Paul.
• Stefano Maderno: Famous for the figure of Saint Cecilia.
• Francesco Mochi: Notable for breaking away from Mannerism, with works like Alessandro Farnese.

5. Composition and Technique

The composition employs piano-relief, creating a sense of depth and dynamism through the use of light and shadow.

a) Lower Section

The figures are supported by a marble base. Daphne's transformation into a laurel tree is depicted with roots and stems emerging from her body. Apollo's feet are positioned both on the ground and in the air.

b) Middle Section

Daphne's contorted pose accentuates the sensation of transformation. Apollo's robe drapes around him, emphasizing movement. His hand on Daphne's waist elicits a cry of desperation from her. The curves and anatomy of the bodies are sensual, reminiscent of Michelangelo's style.

c) Upper Section

The heads of Apollo and Daphne are at approximately the same height. Daphne's face expresses a cry of despair as she is overtaken by Apollo. Apollo's face is inspired by the Apollo Belvedere, showcasing classical masculine beauty. The hair is thick and sculpted, creating a play of light and shadow. The bodies of the mythological figures appear languid and sensual, without excessive muscular development or tension.

6. Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680)

Bernini was a highly influential Baroque sculptor and architect, known for his fantasy and technical skill. He was influenced by Mannerism and emphasized the tragic, dynamic, and expressive qualities of Hellenistic sculpture.

a) Notable Works

His works include The Goat Amalthea, busts of Santoni and Giovanni Vigevano, The Aeneid, and Apollo and Daphne.

7. Function and Significance

a) Function

Bernini sculpted Apollo and Daphne for Cardinal Scipione Borghese to decorate his villa.

b) Significance

The sculpture depicts an episode from Ovid's Metamorphoses, recounting the classical myth of Apollo's unrequited love for Daphne and her transformation into a laurel tree to escape him.