Apollo and Daphne, after Bernini c. 19th century

Curator: This intriguing piece, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, is a small cameo titled Apollo and Daphne, after Bernini, created by the Pichler family. Editor: Its monochrome surface gives it an ethereal, almost dreamlike quality, like a memory struggling to surface. Curator: Absolutely, cameos like this were often made as miniature collectibles, reproducing famous sculptures and paintings for wider audiences. Bernini's dramatic sculpture captured a pivotal moment in the myth. Editor: Yes, and the transformation motif is key, the metamorphosis of Daphne from maiden to laurel tree speaks to enduring themes of desire, escape, and identity. Consider, too, the patriarchal context of these myths! Curator: The choice to depict this scene in such a small, portable format also speaks volumes about the value placed on classical narratives and their role in shaping cultural ideals. Editor: It's fascinating how a powerful narrative, distilled into this tiny form, continues to carry potent symbolic weight, prompting conversations about power, art, and transformation.