Master Apollon House Gallery

Gustav Klimt’s Danaë (1907): A Symbolist Masterpiece of Myth and Eroticism

Gustav Klimt’s Danaë (1907) stands as a powerful exploration of mythology, symbolism, and sensuality. This oil painting, held by the Galerie Würthle in Vienna until 1995, captures the myth of Danaë in Klimt’s signature style, blending eroticism with profound symbolic depth.

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The Myth of Danaë: A Divine Encounter

The painting depicts Danaë, a Greek princess confined in a bronze chamber by her father, King Acrisius, to prevent her from bearing a child prophesied to kill him. Zeus, undeterred, transforms into golden rain to impregnate Danaë, resulting in the birth of Perseus, a hero of Greek mythology.

Klimt’s interpretation focuses on this intimate moment, emphasizing themes of divine love and transcendence.

“Danaë serves as a quintessential symbol of divine love, and transcendence.”

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Themes in Danaë

1. Symbolism and Abstract Emotion
As a key figure of the Symbolist movement, Klimt uses the myth of Danaë to convey abstract ideas of passion, divinity, and transformation. The golden rain, a central motif, symbolizes Zeus’s divine presence and power while simultaneously embodying desire and creation.

2. Eroticism and Female Sensuality
Klimt’s Danaë is unapologetically erotic, with the subject curled in a fetal position, eyes closed in ecstasy. Her expression and body language convey sensual arousal, a bold choice for its time that aligns with Klimt’s fascination with female sexuality.

“It is apparent from the subject’s face that she is aroused by the golden stream.”

This overt sensuality links Danaë to other works by Klimt, such as Medicine and Water Snakes, which also explore themes of eroticism and the feminine mystique.

3. Mythology and Royal Imagery
Danaë’s royal lineage is subtly referenced through the rich, royal purple veil that wraps around her body, highlighting her status as a princess. This interplay of regal symbolism and intimate vulnerability adds layers of complexity to the painting.

“In this work, she is curled in a royal purple veil which refers to her imperial lineage.”

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Artistic and Historical Context

1. Dimensions and Medium

• Danaë measures 77 x 83 cm and is an oil on canvas painting.

2. Klimt’s Evolving Style
Created during Klimt’s “Golden Phase,” Danaë exemplifies his fascination with gold leaf and ornamental patterns. However, its focus on sensuality and raw emotion reflects an evolution from purely decorative art to more emotionally charged works.

3. Comparisons in Art History
Klimt’s Danaë stands out among other depictions of the myth by artists like Correggio, Rembrandt, and Titian. While these works often highlight Danaë’s vulnerability, Klimt centers her empowerment and pleasure, making his interpretation uniquely modern and provocative.

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Reception and Legacy

Klimt’s Danaë has been celebrated as a masterpiece of Symbolism and an unapologetic exploration of eroticism. Critics have lauded its boldness, both in content and execution, as a testament to Klimt’s ability to push boundaries.

By combining mythology, sensuality, and symbolic depth, Danaë continues to captivate audiences, reminding viewers of art’s ability to challenge societal norms and celebrate human emotion in its most intimate forms.

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Further Exploration

• Compare Danaë with other interpretations of the myth by Correggio, Rembrandt, and Titian.
• Examine the Symbolist movement’s influence on Klimt’s works.
• Study the reception of Klimt’s eroticism in the context of early 20th-century art.

Klimt’s Danaë is more than a painting; it is a bold statement on love, desire, and transformation, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its rich layers of myth and meaning.