Daphne 1958

“Daphne” is a bronze sculpture created by Ossip Zadkine in 1958. The sculpture depicts the figure of Daphne, a nymph from Greek mythology, transforming into a laurel tree to escape the advances of the god Apollo. The work is characterized by Zadkine's signature cubist-inspired style, featuring fragmented forms and rough textures. The figure is depicted in a dynamic pose, twisting and contorting within the branches of the tree, conveying the sense of movement and struggle inherent in the myth. This sculpture is a powerful representation of the transformative power of nature and the enduring themes of love, desire, and escape.