Artwork

Danae

Danae, by Antonio Bellucci, unspecified, 1696
Danae, by Antonio Bellucci, unspecified, 1696

Danae is an unspecified painting by the Barbizon school artist Antonio Bellucci. It dates from 1696 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Danaë is a 1696 painting by Antonio Bellucci, a Venetian-trained artist known for his frescoes and mythological scenes. The work is part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Danaë, a figure from classical mythology, lying on a cushioned ledge surrounded by winged figures and a kneeling man in dark attire. The scene is set against a dark, swirling background with a faint glow around the figures.

Technique & Style

The painting features a strong contrast between light and dark, with Danaë's skin highlighted against the shadows. This chiaroscuro effect draws attention to the main subject, a technique characteristic of Bellucci's work and the broader artistic trends of his time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Antonio Bellucci

Artist

Antonio Bellucci

Antonio Bellucci (19 February 1654 – 29 August 1726) was an Italian soldier who became a painter of the Rococo period and is best known for his work in England, Germany, and Austria.