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This is a drawing of a scene depicting a figure reaching out towards another figure in the process of transforming into a tree. The figure on the left is shown with their arms raised as they transform; their hands are extending and turning into branches with leaves sprouting. The posture and lines indicate movement and transformation. The right figure appears to be interacting with the transforming one. The drawing focuses on the central figures and their interaction, with a minimal background.
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This is a drawing of a scene depicting a figure reaching out towards another figure in the process of transforming into a tree. The figure on the left is shown with their arms raised as they transform; their hands are extending and turning into branches with leaves sprouting. The posture and lines indicate movement and transformation. The right figure appears to be interacting with the transforming one. The drawing focuses on the central figures and their interaction, with a minimal background.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Apollo and Daphne

Follower of Giulio Romano

Medium
pen and brown ink on green-blue laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 15.1 x 10.4 cm (5 15/16 x 4 1/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2009.70.129
Credit line
Joseph F. McCrindle Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • Renaissance
  • Apollo
  • Daphne
Provenance

George John, 2nd Earl Spencer [1758-1834], Althorp (Lugt 1530); (his sale, Th. Philipe, London, 15 June 1811, lot 615, as Poussin). E. Peter Jones, Green Bank, Chester (according to note on label). P.&D. Colnaghi & Co. Ltd, London (as Giulio Romano). Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Inscription

by later hand on mount, lower center in pen and brown ink: N. Poussin; by later hand on mount, upper left verso in graphite: [?]. 13; by later hand on mount, upper left verso in graphite: 12 x 15; by later hand on mount, center verso in pen and brown ink: N. Poussin / From Earl Spencer's sale, June 13th 1811, Sold by / T. Philipe 10 am / Golden Square / Lot 615 c - i / s d; by later hand on mount, lower right verso in graphite: 15. 5 3/4 x 4 13 [superscript]

Marks

Label affixed to verso (now removed): P.&D. Colnaghi & Co., Ltd., London; inscribed in blue ink: APOLLO & DAPHNE: / DRAWING IN PEN BY GIULIO ROMANO (1499 - 1546) / Collections: / Earl Spencer, / (sale June 13, 1811, lot 615) / & E. Peter Jones. / Green Bank, / Chester. / Attributed to Poussin / in the Spencer Collection Sticker: blue plastic, stamped: R9

Watermarks

hand with star [cut off] (close to Heawood, no. 2462)

NGA object ID 143871. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.