Danaë

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Time for a painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the best painters of the Italian Baroque. For years this work was attributed to Orazio Gentileschi, the artist's father (the work of women artists throughout history was often attributed to men). Unlike most of Artemisia's surviving works, this painting was executed on copper. It presents the story of Danaë, which is recorded in Ovid's Metamorphoses and recounts the plight of the daughter of King Acrisius of Argos. A prophecy led him to believe that his grandchild would lead to his death, and therefore imprisoned his daughter to prevent a potential pregnancy. Zeus overcame this challenge (he loved challenges) by transforming himself into a shower of gold, entering the room and seducing Danaë. She subsequently bore a son Perseus, who went on to kill his grandfather in his adulthood. Yes, typical Greek tragedy. He also later killed the Gorgon Medusa, but that's a completely different story. 

The figure of Danaë reclines on her bed, while her servant with back turned to her mistress collects gold coins in her skirts. The pose and design are based on Artemisia's earlier version of Cleopatra and it is amazingly sensual and powerful.

Most of Artemisia's works' interpretations are shaped by the story of her rape. Here you can read more about this horrible story. 

P.S. Artemisia is one of the women artists featured in our Women Artists Notebook. Check it out here!

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