Daphnis giving an Apple to Chloe

Antonio Zucchi, RA (Venice 1726 – Rome 1796). Oil painting on canvas (circular), Daphnis giving an Apple to Chloe, by Antonio Zucchi, RA (Venice 1726 – Rome 1796), circa 1776. One of a set of four circular overdoor paintings with scenes from the story of Daphnis and Chloe by the Greek author Longus. In this painting, Zucchi represents the scenes from Book III.33-34 of Longus' narrative. Here, Longus tells us of an apple tree that was bare except for one, beautiful apple, perched right at the top of the tree. Daphnis plucks this apple and gives it to Chloe, comparing his gift to the apple that was given to the goddess Venus by Paris in Greek mythology. Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire (Accredited Museum)