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.

Where can I see this painting?

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.

Where Is Danaë? See It at Museo del Prado, Madrid

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.

Danaë

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More by Titian

Sacred and Profane Love

Christ and the Adulteress

Madonna and Child with Sts Anthony of Padua and Roch

The Concert

Also at Museo del Prado, Madrid

Descent from the Cross

Artemisia

Adam and Eve

A Soldier

Related Renaissance Works

The Adoration of the Magi

The Birth of Venus

The School of Athens

Pallas and the Centaur

The Alba Madonna

Sistine Madonna

Laocoön

Salvator Mundi

About Danaë

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