Gustav Klimt. Danaë.

Danaë is an oil painting by Gustav Klimt, created in 1907. An example of Symbolism, the canvas measures 77 x 83 cm, and is in the Galerie Würthle in Vienna. Danaë was a popular subject in the early 1900s for many artists; she was used as the quintessential symbol of divine love, and transcendence. While imprisoned by her father Acrisius, King of Argos, in a tower of bronze, Danaë was visited by Zeus, symbolized here as the golden rain flowing between her legs. It is apparent from the subject&face that she is aroused by the golden stream. In this work, she is curled in a royal purple veil which refers to her imperial lineage. Sometime after her celestial visitation she gave birth to a son, Perseus, who is cited later in Greek mythology for slaying the Gorgon Medusa and rescuing Andromeda. Many early portrayals of Danaë were erotic; other paintings completed in similar style are Klimt&Medicine (1900–1907), and Water Snakes (1904–1907). Artist: Gustav Klimt Dimensions: 77 cm x 83 cm Subject: Danaë Medium: Oil paint Created: 1907–1908 Periods: Art Nouveau, Symbolism Location: Galerie Würthle, Vienna, Austria