Princes Danae in her prison tower, being visited by Zeus, who, in the physical shape of a shower of gold, impregnates her with the future murderer of her father, the one who had her locked up precisely to prevent this fate -- predicted to him by an oracle -- from ever becoming a reality.

For this depiction of Danae, I made grateful use of Trude Fleischmann's photograph of choreographer, dancer and nudist champion Claire Bauroff, dating from the 1920's. This in itself makes for a much more modern version of the character, if only because of Bauroff's muscular physique. Her body posture and the mere fact that she is upright, also set this rather dynamic scene apart from earlier versions.

For me this piece was fun in the sense that it came together in much the same way as my photo montages fell into place when the time was ripe. And like many of my montages, the (seemingly) ambiguity of this drawing makes it possible for the viewer to approach it from different angles.

It is drawn onto thick, slightly tinted Fabriano paper with a nice edge. Fixed and reasonably smudge free.

Danae

Charcoal and pastel on paper

70 x 100 cm (27,6”x44”)

Since I don't want to send this particular kind of paper in a rolled fashion, I will see to it that it is carefully sandwiched between two rigid layers, and sent while maintaining its full dimensions.

I recommend handing the sealed container to a professional framer, where you can choose a frame that suits both the artwork and your interior.