Mythological Scene Danae and the Shower of Gold 17th Century - Danae and the golden rain

Features

Artist:  Giovanni Battista Recchi (1587-1668)

Artwork title:  Danae e la pioggia d'oro

Age:  17th Century / 1601 - 1700

Subject:  Allegorical/Mythological Subject

Artistic technique:  Painting

Technical specification:  Oil on Canvas

Description : Danae e la pioggia d'oro

Oil on canvas. In the beautiful painting of private and laic commission, the artist Giovanni Battista Recchi deals with the story of Danae, a Greek mythological subject loved and depicted by many painters like Tiziano, Correggio, Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi, Rembrandt and so on including Klimt. The legend says that Zeus fertilized the mortal woman Danae through a golden shower. The demigod Perseus was born from that union. In our painting, the shower of gold turns into golden coins. Each one has an individual coniage of the period. One of the coins falling from the sky has the signature of the artist written on it which is very rare for an antique painting. For this reason, the attribution to the artist is sure. In the background, there is a city that overlooks the lake. It seems a representation of the city of Como at the time, natal city of the artist. The private buyer of the painting probably dealt with currency exchanges due to the precision the coins are represented. The painting is relined with signs of restoration consistent with the style of that period. Good condition, presented in gilded revival frame.

Product Condition:
Very good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. It may have been restored by an expert.

Frame Size (cm):
Height: 152
Width: 198
Depth: 6

Artwork dimensions (cm):
Height: 140
Width: 188

Additional Information