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Daphne

1853, carved 1854
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 759
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

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Daphne
  • Artist: Harriet Goodhue Hosmer (1830–1908)
  • Date: 1853, carved 1854
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: 27 1/2 x 19 5/8 x 12 1/2 in. (69.9 x 49.8 x 31.8 cm)
  • Credit Line: Morris K. Jesup Fund, 1973
  • Object Number: 1973.133
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

Audio

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4581. Daphne

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