Apollo and Daphne

Dosso Dossi completed this unusual interpretation of Apollo and Daphne around 1525. Rather than showing the chase or transformation, Dossi depicts Apollo standing alone with his lira da braccio, the Renaissance bowed string instrument. The tiny figure of Daphne, already becoming a tree, appears in the distant background.

Apollo wears a green mantle with gold thread borders and a laurel crown, both references to Daphne's transformation. His pose derives from the famous Belvedere Torso in the Vatican, suggesting Dossi had visited Rome. The instrument connects Apollo to his role as god of music and poetry, not just a lovesick pursuer.

The canvas measures 191 by 116 centimeters and hangs at the Borghese Gallery in Rome. Early inventories listed it as Orpheus rather than Apollo. The work came to the Borghese through Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi's collection in the 17th century.