Daphne Turning to a Laurel 1665

This print, made by Georg Andreas Wolfgang the Elder, depicts the mythological tale of Daphne's transformation. The key symbol here is the laurel tree, emerging from Daphne as she flees Apollo. The laurel is not merely a plant; it’s a potent symbol of metamorphosis and eternal life. In ancient Greece, it was associated with Apollo, representing triumph and protection against evil. This harks back to images of emperors and heroes crowned with laurel wreaths, signifying victory and divine favor. The act of transformation—a woman becoming a tree—echoes deeper anxieties and desires of preservation. Think of other transformations in mythology: gods and humans alike seeking refuge in new forms. It is a visual manifestation of the psychological impulse to escape undesired realities, to find sanctuary in nature. The cyclical, regenerative power of the laurel continues to inspire. Its symbolic journey echoes through centuries, reflecting humanity's enduring quest for immortality and peace.