Shop art print and framed art Danaë by Gustav Klimt

Danae was painted in 1907 by the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. It measures 77 × 83 cm. It is said to be in the Würthle Gallery in Vienna, but the gallery does not appear to exist. It is therefore likely to belong to a private collection that does not wish to divulge any information. The painting depicts the myth of Danae, the work's eponymous character. According to Greek mythology, Danae's father locked her up in a tower after an oracle predicted that he would be killed by his grandson. Despite this, Zeus managed to enter the tower in the form of a shower of gold. Perseus was born of this union. The painting depicts the moment of this union between Zeus and Danae. Asleep, Danae seems innocent and gentle. Her calm, peaceful face contrasts with the sensuality of her thigh and breast, and the tightness of her fingers clutching her breast. Danaé's other hand disappears behind her thigh. Her half-open mouth is sensual and could be a reminder of orgasm. Klimt, as usual, places the eroticism of the woman in the foreground, as well as the sensuality of the body. The fabric on which she is lying is richly embroidered with golden spheres"; this thin, transparent veil barely covering her body (feet, back) adds to this sensuality and feminine softness". The golden rain representing Zeus forms a cascade that passes between the young woman's thighs, symbolising fertilisation. This symbol is reinforced by Danae's foetal position. The dynamics of the work are conveyed by the spiral lines [...]

 

This artwork is a painting from the modern period. It belongs to the symbolism style.

 

« Danaë » is kept at Galerie Wurthle, Vienna, Austria.

 

Find the full description of Danaë by Gustav Klimt on Wikipedia.