Daphne

The god Apollo’s first love was Daphne, a nymph who shunned marriage and vowed perpetual virginity. To escape his advances she transformed into a laurel tree. Hosmer represented Daphne’s metamorphosis by terminating the bust in laurel branches. Her choice of subject must have had personal symbolism, as Hosmer—then active in Rome—also eschewed male romantic partners and traditional gender roles.


“There’s a quiet solitude and contemplative nature to this moment. Soft power and control over one’s body.” Patricia Cronin, artist, Audioguide 4027