Danae (1612) by Artemisia Gentileschi

Danae - Artemisia Gentileschi - 1612

Artwork Information

TitleDanae
ArtistArtemisia Gentileschi
Date1612
Mediumoil
Dimensions41.5 x 52.5 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationSaint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, MO, US

About Danae

“Danae,” crafted by the esteemed artist Artemisia Gentileschi in 1612, is a mythological painting executed in oil during the Baroque period. The artwork, occupying a space of 41.5 by 52.5 centimeters, currently resides in the Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. This masterpiece effectively encapsulates the narrative and stylistic characteristics emblematic of Baroque art.

The artwork illustrates the mythological tale of Danae, featuring a nude woman, Danae, reclining on a sumptuously draped bed adorned with vivid red and white textiles. Her relaxed posture with her arm behind her head and her eyes closed signifies a moment of serene surrender. The scene is further enriched by the depiction of a maidservant who is draped in a blue garment with a white headscarf, standing to the right side. She holds out a robe or garment to catch the golden rain descending upon Danae, symbolizing the presence of Zeus. The combined use of light and shadow, the rich coloration, and the detailed textures are poignant indicators of Gentileschi’s mastery and representational strength in conveying both the physical and emotional subtleties of the scene. The entire composition reflects the dramatic intensity and dynamic movement characteristic of Baroque artistry.

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