Atalanta defeated (Atalanta and the golden apples)

In Greek mythology, Atalanta was the athletic huntress who promised to marry the first man who could outrun her. Those who lost the race also lost their lives. With the guidance of Aphrodite, Hippomenes won the race by dropping three golden apples in Atalanta’s path during their contest. Unable to resist stopping to pick up the fruit, Atalanta lost the race. Here Montford depicts Atalanta after the race, still holding one of the golden apples that brought about her defeat.

Text © National Gallery of Australia, Canberra 2010