238 THE MYTHS OF CREATION: THE GODS
Apollo and Daphne, attributed to Antonio del Pollaiuolo (1433-1498). Oil on panel; 11 5 /s X
7 7 / 8 in, Apollo, in the guise of a young Florentine nobleman, has just caught up with
Daphne. Her left leg is rooted in the ground and her arms have already become leafy
branches, while she looks down at the god with a mysterious smile. The painter has
caught the interaction of movement and fixity that permeates Ovid's narrative, while the
tragedy is set in a jewel-like Tuscan landscape. (National Gallery, London. Reproduced by
courtesy of the Trustees.)be honored with green leaves!" Apollo's speech was done: the new-made lau-
rel nodded her assent and like a head bowed her topmost branches.The interpretation of this most artistically inspiring tale of passion is dis-
cussed in Chapter 1 (pp. 19-20). Is it the most touching and poignant of love
stories or the glorification of attempted rape?