Atalanta and Hippomenes (2006) from the Pictures of Garbage series reinterprets Guido Reni’s iconic painting.

Atalanta, a legendary huntress in Greek mythology, takes her name from atalantos, meaning “equal in weight.” Famous for her unparalleled beauty and remarkable speed, she was sought by many suitors, but her father set a condition: Atalanta would marry only the man who could outrun her in a footrace. The winner would gain her love, while the loser would face death.

Desperate to win, the young Hippomenes turned to the goddess Aphrodite for assistance. In response, she gave him three golden apples, each more alluring than the last. As Atalanta sped ahead in the race, Hippomenes strategically tossed an apple in front of her. Unable to resist, Atalanta would stop to collect it, allowing Hippomenes to catch up and eventually win her love.

Guido Reni’s Atalanta and Hippomenes, painted between 1620 and 1625, resides in the Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte in Naples. It is a second version of the artist’s earlier depiction of the myth, created between 1618 and 1619, which is now held in the Museo del Prado.