Danaë
by Titian, 1553
StyleRenaissance
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1553
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Size
- 129 cm × 180 cm (50.8 × 70.9 in)
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Titian painted this version of Danaë around 1553 for King Philip II of Spain. The myth tells how Zeus visited Danaë as a shower of gold while she was imprisoned by her father. Titian shows the golden rain falling onto Danaë's nude body while an elderly servant tries to catch coins in her apron.
The contrast between Danaë's sensual abandon and the servant's greed creates both humor and commentary. This was one of a series of "poesie" (poetic paintings) Titian created for Philip II, treating mythological subjects as opportunities for exploring the female nude.
Michelangelo reportedly criticized an earlier version of this subject, saying Titian couldn't draw. The Prado version shows Titian's mastery of color and flesh tones at its peak.
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Also at Museo del Prado, Madrid
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About Danaë
A Greek princess whose father imprisoned her after a prophecy that her son would kill him. Zeus impregnated her as golden rain, and she bore Perseus.
Titian called his mythological paintings 'poesie' (poems), treating them as visual equivalents of classical poetry.
At the Museo del Prado. Titian painted several versions; this one was made for Philip II, located in Madrid, Spain The oil on canvas work is part of their permanent collection.
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