A recognized world masterpiece by Rembrandt - the painting "Danae" - in 1985 was subjected to an act of vandalism. One of the visitors to the Hermitage first doused it with sulfuric acid, and then cut it with a knife. The damage was so great that experts doubted the success of the restoration work. However, the professionalism of the restorers still helped restore the Rembrandt's masterpiece.
History of the painting
At the time of the creation of the painting "Danae" - in 1636 - Harmenszoon Van Rijn Rembrandt was already the most famous master in Holland. This picture reproduces an episode of the famous ancient Greek myth of Danai, the daughter of the Argos king Acrisius, to whom the Oracle predicted death at the hands of his own grandson. To avoid death, Acrisius imprisoned Danae in a copper tower, guarded by ferocious dogs. However, this did not stop Zeus. He entered the tower in golden rain, and Danae gave birth to a son Perseus.
Rembrandt in his picture depicted the moment of penetration into the tower of Zeus in the form of golden rain. The perfection of the composition and the richness of the color palette, sustained in golden shades, amazes. There is nothing superfluous in this work, every detail is thought out by the author. With the help of a live and free stroke, the master conveys the lightness of the bedspreads, folds of heavy curtains and draperies. The flexible body plastic of a young woman illuminated by soft light is perfect. The whole appearance of Danai delights the audience with charm, freshness and deep sensuality.
As a model, Rembrandt was posed by his dearly beloved wife Saskia van Eilenburg, whom he also immortalized on such masterpieces as Flora and Self-portrait with Saskia on her lap.
