Danaë
by PIERRE, Jean-Baptiste-Marie, Oil on paper laid down on canvas, 41 x 55 cm
Danaë, the daughter of king Acrisius, who had been foretold peril from the hand of his grandson, was placed in a tower, under the care of her old nurse. Zeus (Jupiter) anamoured of Danaë penetrated to her in the shape of a golden shower of rain.
The theme of Danaë was popular and frequently represented in Renaissance and Baroque painting. You can view other depictions of Danaë in the Web Gallery of Art.