Apollo and Daphne
2023 © Maxim Tabachnik
Grotesque Ceiling DecorationChrist Carrying His CrossSaint Michael the ArchangelGrotesque Fantasy with BeastsEmperor HadrianArchangel Michael
Apollo and DaphneApollo and DaphneApollo and DaphneApollo and DaphneApollo and Daphne
Angel with the SudariumPsyche Awakens CupidThe Battle of ZamaThe Abduction of EuropaPerseus Beheads the Sea MonsterPsyche and the Old WomanMausoleum of HadrianPanoramic View from Castel Sant’AngeloChrist in LimboThe Miracle of the AngelThe BathMythological Ceiling with Stucco ReliefLamentation over the Dead ChristTritons and Naiads in CombatMarine Deity with CornucopiaSt. Michael the ArchangelCeiling of the Sala PaolinaLeda and the SwanFestina LenteAquatic Satire with TurtlesBaboons with FruitView Toward the Altare della Patria from Castel Sant’AngeloArchangel Michael in BattlePerseus Slays the Sea MonsterPan and a NymphPerseus Approaches AndromedaSt. Michael and Grotesque MotifsRooftop Catapult and AmmunitionMarine Deities and Serpentine CreaturesThe Virgin and Blessing Child EnthronedMarine Procession of Tritons and NereidsMax at Castel Sant’Angelo TerraceCupid and PsycheNaumachia in the Belvedere CourtyardSea Procession with Tritons and NereidsEmbracing TritonsAllegory with ChimeraTritons and Sea CreaturesThe Miracle of the Angel

Apollo and DaphnePietro Bonaccorsi, Domenico Rietti

783
This fresco (1545–46) from the Storie di Apollo cycle shows Daphne's transformation as she escapes Apollo, with her fingers turning into laurel leaves, symbolizing divine rescue and chastity. A reclining river god on the left situates the myth in nature, observing the pursuit and metamorphosis. The work reflects Renaissance interest in classical mythology and transformation themes.