The paintings of Orazio Gentileschi are recognizable for their elegant compositions, clear lines, and rich blend of warm and bright colors. Orazio is also known for training his brilliant daughter, Artemesia, who became one of the few successful female painters of her time.
These two paintings from the 1620s, Danaë and Lot and His Daughters, are two of a trio that also included a Mary Magdalene. Danaë was just acquired by the Getty Museum, and the two will soon be reunited after many years apart.
In Greek myth, Danaë was the beautiful daughter of the king of Argos. Zeus transformed himself into a shower of gold (shown here as coins) and impregnated her, begetting the hero Perseus.
Read more about Artemisia Gentileschi.