Publisher's Synopsis
A unique monograph on Ovid's Metamorphoses and its lasting impact on Western art, showcasing its influence from the Renaissance to today with works by Bernini, Rodin, Titian, and more.
One of the most famous literary works of classical Antiquity, Ovid's Metamorphoses, has profoundly influenced Western art from Antiquity to today. Since the Renaissance, its stories have been a key source of inspiration for artists. Ovid recounts the lives of gods, mythological figures, and mortals, all undergoing dramatic transformations. Among the most striking are Daphne turning into a laurel tree to escape Apollo, Jupiter seducing Io in the form of a cloud, and the sculptor Pygmalion falling in love with his own creation - a statue of Galatea brought to life.
The exhibitions at the Rijksmuseum (February 2026) and the Galleria Borghese (June 2026), as well as the accompanying catalogue, showcase the vast artistic legacy inspired by Ovid across time and media. Sculptures by Bernini, Brancusi, Cellini and Rodin stand alongside paintings by Arcimboldo, Correggio, Titian, and Poussin, while works by 20th and 21st-century artists are also included.
With text contributions by Francesca Cappelletti, Claudia Cieri Via, Bart Ramakers, Frits Scholten, Lucia Simonato, et al.
