In September 1544, a papal nuncio visited Titian's studio where the 'Danaë' nude was in progress. He later wrote to Cardinal Farnese to say that the female nude was so erotically entrancing, she made 'The Venus of Urbino' look like 'a Theatine nun'. (from Studio International)
Pietro Aretino added his own views, in the manner he is best known, in his Dialogues: "My God, her neck! And her breasts...those two tits would have corrupted virgins and made martyrs unfrock themselves." (from Wikipedia, citing Titian by Hope, Fletcher & Dunkerton, 132).
For the record, I think Goltzius's Danae is one of the most beautiful paintings I've ever not seen yet.
And Klimt's version is unforgettable.
No comments:
Post a Comment