Bob Thompson

Apollo and Daphne
Now On View Recent Acquisition

Maker

Bob Thompson (American, 1937-1966

Title

Apollo and Daphne

Year

ca. 1964

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Dimensions

27 x 27.3 cm (10 5/8 x 10 3/4 inches) (painting)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signature: Signed estate stamp Providence Carol Thompson (wife) in their home

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Jolie Stahl

Object Number

2024.19.51

Type

Publications

Exhibition History

Art and Design from 1900 to Now
Jun 04, 2022 – Sep 01, 2026

Label copy

Bob Thompson’s Apollo and Daphne, a portrayal of the ancient Greek myth, captures Daphne’s transformation into a tree. Thompson uses color to build natural human forms—the same approach that attracted collector Jolie Stahl to the work of Philip Guston.  After Thompson’s death, this painting hung for many years in the home of his wife, Carol Plenda. The first work by Thompson to join the RISD Museum collection, it reflects his singular take on European art-historical traditions while also reinforcing the museum’s commitment to artists of color.

–Dominic Molon, Richard Brown Baker Curator of Contemporary Art

Image use

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In copyright This object is in copyright

Tombstone

Bob Thompson (American, 1937-1966
b. in Louisville, Kentucky)
Apollo and Daphne, ca. 1964
Oil on paper mounted on board
27 x 27.3 cm (10 5/8 x 10 3/4 inches) (painting)
Gift of Jolie Stahl 2024.19.51

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