The Metamorphosis of Daphne

Image credit: The Henry Barber Trust, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham

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The scenes illustrate a story from 'Metamorphoses' written by the Roman poet Ovid. The poem describes a series of magical transformations. In the left panel, the god Apollo pursues the nymph Daphne who has rejected his love and flees. As Apollo draws close, she begs for help to the gods and is changed into a laurel tree, in the right panel. These two panels probably formed the ends of a decorated chest, known as a 'cassone'. They were often used to hold a bride’s dowry goods. The panels are by two different artists from the same workshop, which would explain why Apollo wears two different costumes.
Title

The Metamorphosis of Daphne

Medium

tempera on wood

Measurements

H 47.5 x W 53.1 cm

Accession number

50.7b

Acquisition method

purchased, 1950

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TS England

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