Danaë is an oil painting by Gustav Klimt, created in 1907. The canvas measures 77 x 83 cm, is cataloged as Symbolism, and is currently housed within the Galerie Würthle in Vienna, Austria. Danaë was a popular subject in the early 1900’s for many artists; she was used as the quintessential symbol of divine love, and transcendence.

While imprisoned by her father, 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's face that she is aroused by the golden stream. The image is a depiction of the legend about Danae mating with Zeus in the form of a gold shower, to conceive Perseus. The eroticism in this piece is typical of Klimt's work. Danae: Según la mitología clásica, era la hija de Acrisio, rey de Argos, los oráculos decían que el hijo de Danae mataría al rey. Por eso su padre la encerró en una torre de bronce, al cuidado de una anciana.

This part, which The Clash of the Titan actually ignores instead placing Zeus human shape in bed with Danae, has been the subject of numerous artistic depictions. From the artists of antiquity to Titus, Rembrandt and Klimt, Danae has been depicted on numerous occasions as she receives the shower of gold. Titus alone painted four versions. But what is it that strikes a chord with artist in this story. What is it that makes it so appealing to portray this particular scene?

There is of course the duality. Did Danae know about the shower of gold and what it would do? Did she enjoy this contact with the god or did she shun it? Was there any love involved? Titus e.g. has Eros included in one of his depictions, while in the work of Klimt, there is little done to hide her sexual ecstasy. Still, we are dealing with forbidden love and feelings, of going against the wishes of her father and of giving herself away. There is a loss of innocence in the scene, of letting go and maybe dealing with the consequences afterwards that many an artist finds fascinating. It is partly an expression of the hooker - Madonna complex as the virgin is turned.

In this work, she is curled in a sumptuous 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. Gustav Klimt’s art nouveau classic "Danae". Gustav Klimt was an Austrian symbolist painter and a prominent member of the Vienna art nouveau movement of the late 19th and early 20th century. Klimt's primary subject matter was the female nude rendered in his very distinct and recognizable style of mosaic tiles, gold hues and beautiful women.

Danae, seemingly underwater, thighs drawn up. Gold and silver seminal flow rising between her legs. Very erotic. The legend concerns her mating with Zeus in the form of a gold shower, to conceive Perseus, which is depicted here. The eroticism is highly intentional: the red hair, etc. The small black rectangle is Klimt's reduction of maleness to an abstract symbol.

To see a online gallery of hand painted oil painting reproductions from all the great artists please check out the site which has a wide selection of Klimt Reproductions.