Alteration Process of the Gods: Apollo and Daphne Story
The sculpture created by Bernini is arguably the most dramatic scene of the whole Apollo and Daphne story. Bernini picks the exact moment when Daphne turns into a tree to avoid Apollo’s grasp and it is also the turning point of the story. The sculpture is made in such a way that if you were to walk up to it you would feel as if you were interrupting something. Daphne has bark surrounding her legs and leaves sprouting out of her fingertips, and Apollo is so close almost grabbing her yet also so far because she is turning into a tree and there is nothing he can do to stop it. The subjects of the sculpture are transformed immediately following the scene that Bernini depicts. From a couple that has opposite feelings for each other to a couple that both have started to have true feelings towards each other.
This scene that Bernini chose to sculpt was a crucial time in the story and he captured the exact moment of Daphne’s transformation and evasion of Apollo. Bernini made it so that if the viewer were to look at the sculpture from behind Daphne would be obscured by Apollo and you would only see the tips of leaves and some bark, but if you made your way to the front of the piece the whole thing would change and you would see Daphne in her tree transformation process. It was almost as if the transformation was occurring before your eyes. He did this to show that in one split second your whole life could be transformed and he displayed it perfectly and cleverly so that you would only see her change based on your change in positioning and perspective.
Apollo’s perspective in the story is also about to change. The moment that Bernini has chosen shows Appollo about to receive his heart’s desire and capture Daphne. But in the next second his desire to capture Daphne has changed into real love as she transforms into a tree. With her human form not there any longer all that is left of her is her heart and soul. And Apollo’s feelings turn from a desire to love for her. This is the exact moment when he takes a different path from all the other gods, and this moment is very important because it displays something other than the Ishtar model. Apollo chose to honor Daphne not seek revenge as Ishtar did when Gilgamesh rejects her. Bernini chose this moment specifically to show that even with someone manipulating you to do something (Cupid) you can still overcome and be a better person.
What is most surprising about this work is the way Bernini is able to show transformation in such a static art form as a sculpture. Bernini allows the viewer to have an active role in seeing the transformation of Daphne and Apollo unfold as the viewer walks around the statue to experience the full impact of their story.
