Title Danae Gustav Klimt (1862-1918)

Description of Gustav Klimt’s painting Danaë

The painting Danaë is one of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt’s most popular mythological works.

According to an ancient myth, the beautiful Danaë was imprisoned by her father Arixius in a copper tower. He treated his daughter so severely, trying in every way possible to keep his daughter from giving birth to a son. The famous oracle had earlier predicted the king that he would be killed by his grandson, that is, by the son of Danaë. But despite all the measures taken, the destined thing was to come true and god Zeus himself fell in love with charming Danaë.

No doors and walls could stop the strongest thunderer and he, turning into a golden rain, still got to Danaë imprisoned in a copper tower. Subsequently, their son Perseus, unintentionally but fatally killed his grandfather Acrisius.

Of the whole touching plot of love, which had many obstacles and obstacles, Klimt, in his individual vision of the legend, depicted the most intimate episode of the story.

The sensuality of Zeus’ chosen one is conveyed very realistically, in spite of the girl’s half-asleep state. Also, the beauty of the painting is conveyed through other compositional elements along with the artist’s favorite golden color.

Many critics consider Klimt’s painting immoral, but other art connoisseurs, on the contrary, do not protest, noting the peaceful state when contemplating the mythological subject in softened tones.