The Transformation of Cyparissus

For the subject of this fresco see Ovid, 'Metamorphoses' (10). Cyparissus, beloved by Apollo, accidentally killed a favourite stag; he was so distressed that he begged to be allowed to mourn for ever, and was turned into a cypress.

The fresco (transferred to canvas) comes from a series painted in the Stanza di Apollo in the garden pavilion of the Villa Aldobrandini, Frascati.

The upper portion of the composition, with Apollo seated on clouds, remains in situ at the Villa Aldobrandini.

It is thought that Domenichino provided the general design, but may not have executed the fresco.