Apollo and Daphne
Sul dipinto
Carlo Maratti or Maratta (1625-1713) was the pupil of Andrea Sacchi in Rome in 1637 and with whom he stayed until Sacchi's death in 1661. I became the leader painter in Rome receiving commissions from the most eminent family such as the Barberini, Chigi, Spada, Rospigliosi, Pallavicini and Altieri. He executed mainly history paintings in a grandiose and decorative style but also produced a series of portraits. He may have fallen ill at the end of his life, which would explain the diminution of his output. He was buried in the church of Santa Naria degli Angeli in Rome and his funeral was attended by all the members of the Accademia and of the Comapgnia dei Virtuosi del Pantheon.
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The present painting belongs most likely to the circle of the Roman painter Carla Maratta. It shows a popular mythological subject at that time: the ancient story of Apollo and Daphne. Apollo, struck by Cupid's arrow fell in love with the nymph Daphne and pursued her but she asked for help and was eventually changed into a laurel tree. The painting shows the moment when Apollo is about to reach Daphne who is simultaneously changed into a tree.
Victoria and Albert Museum
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