Apollo en Daphne 1659 - 1731

Pieter van Gunst created this print "Apollo and Daphne" using etching and engraving techniques. The composition is immediately striking, featuring three figures arranged in a dynamic, almost theatrical manner, set against a backdrop that is lightly sketched yet evocative. The narrative unfolds through posture and gesture; Daphne's desperate flight and transformation is visually arrested by Apollo's reaching pursuit. Note how the etched lines define shape and volume, and the varying textures, from the smooth skin to the flowing drapery. The underlying structure is a complex interplay of triangles and curves, guiding the viewer's eye through the scene. This print not only tells a classical tale but also engages with broader themes of desire, transformation, and the power of representation. It's a structured, almost diagrammatic exploration of human form and emotion. Even today, the image continues to invite new interpretations.