Apollo Pursuing Daphne c. 16th century

Curator: This is a fascinating, undated print titled "Apollo Pursuing Daphne," currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. The artist is unknown. Editor: It strikes me as chaotic, yet incredibly dynamic. The figures seem caught in a whirlwind of motion. Curator: Indeed. The material itself, the paper and the ink, speak to the printmaking techniques of the era. Think of the labor involved in creating the matrix for each impression. Editor: I'm more drawn to the narrative—Apollo's relentless pursuit and Daphne's desperate transformation. This myth was visually potent then, and the power dynamics are still relevant today. Curator: Agreed, and the inscription beneath provides further context, showing how the story resonated with contemporary audiences. Editor: It's compelling to consider how such narratives are filtered through the lens of social expectation, from the artist's hand to the viewer's interpretation. I appreciate you sharing this with me. Curator: Likewise; it’s vital to consider how artworks like these gained, and continue to gain, meaning.