This most magnificent of classical sculptures depicts the transformation of the nymph Daphne into a laurel tree as the gods' way of answering her plea to be spared the unwanted embrace of Apollo, who had been rendered uncontrollably in love with her by a dart shot by Eros. Bernini's unmatched skiil captured in stone the delicate stems and leaves that sprout from Daphne's fingers. The stages of her transformation can be seen as one walks around the sculpture. According to Ovid, Apollo could still feel Daphne's heart beating under the bark that covered her.