The painting I have chosen to analyze is Apollo and Daphne. Apollo and Daphne was painted between 1560 and 1565 by Veronese. Oil on canvas is …show more content…
The use of facial expression in the painting truly gives the viewer a sense as to what is happening. Apollo appears to be very sad. Veronese shows this by making Apollo appear to be crying. Apollo is portrayed with the typical signs of crying, red nose and puffy eyes. In addition, the overall expression and body language of Apollo contributes to the story. Apollo is positioned in the foreground of the painting with his head looking up and over at Daphne in despair as she is becoming a Laurel Tree. Vernose also gave facial expressions to Daphne. Daphne’s facial expression is showing a sign of relief as she is becoming a Laurel Tree. Her face appears to be relaxed, as she is not phased by becoming a Laurel Tree or by the presence of Apollo. Veronese uses the body position of Daphne to contribute to the end of the story of Apollo and Daphne. Daphne is leaning towards the center of the painting but the length of her arm is now a tree. The contrapposto between Apollo and Daphne shows how she is being lifted away and separated from Apollo and his …show more content…
Veronese used oil on canvas when painting Apollo and Daphne which is the same medium typically used in Venetian Renaissance painting. The use of chiaroscuro used by Veronese also is found in Venetian Renaissance painting. In Apollo and Daphne, Veronese uses a dark, neutral colored background with a hint of white blended in behind Apollo and Daphne. By including white into the background, Veronese has added depth as well as framed the focal point of the painting, Apollo and Daphne, by including the white into the background. As the eye wanders towards the foreground of the picture it hones in on Apollo and Daphne as a result of their distinct coloring. Veronese has kept both the figures and their attire light providing the contrast needed between the foreground and background to create a sense of depth. Veronese also used light colors to enhance the look of Apollo. Apollo was predominantly painted with light colors in order to provide a dark shadow that is being cast by Daphne as she becomes a tree. The use of light color is also continued in the dress of Daphne. The use of small lightly colored painted areas over the light pink of the dress Daphne is wearing gives the dress dimension as well as