Danae (Artemisia Gentileschi)

Danaë is a painting by the Italian baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi. It hangs in the Saint Louis Art Museum, United States.
Background.
Provenance.
The first documented appearance of the painting was at the Sotheby's sale in Monaco on 22 February 1986, where it was sold as a work of the artist's father Orazio. The painting was subsequently purchased by the Saint Louis Art Museum on 1 August 1986.
Materials.
Unlike most of Artemisia's surviving works, this painting was executed on copper.
Description.
Subject Matter.
The story of Danaë is recorded in Ovid's "Metamorphoses" and recounts the plight of the daughter of King Acrisius of Argos. A prophecy led him to believe that his grandchild would lead to his death, and therefore imprisoned his daughter to prevent a potential pregnancy. Zeus overcame this challenge by transforming himself into a shower of gold, entering the room and seducing Danaë. She subsequently bore a son Perseus, who went on to kill his grandfather in his adulthood.
Composition.
The figure of Danaë reclines on her bed, while her servant with back turned to her mistress collects gold coins in her skirts. The pose and design are based on Artemisia's earlier version of Cleopatra.
Interpretation.
Art historians have debated this portrayal of Danaë, with some noting an open, inviting posture, while others observe the clenched fist and closed legs. Some scholars believe this painting refers directly to the rape the artist endured a few years prior, while others argue that she rather had a sympathy for women victimized by unwelcome sexual pressures.