Search results

Start typing

Gold at The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.
BENEDETTO GENNARI (CENTO 1633-BOLOGNA 1715)

Danaë Receiving the Shower of Gold

c.1672-74

RCIN 402934

In mythology, Danaë's father locked her in a tower to keep away suitors, because it had been foretold that he would be killed by her son. Zeus visited her in a shower of gold, and Danaë bore the hero Perseus, who accidently killed his grandfather. Gennari paints Zeus as a rain of golden coins, and bathes Danaë with golden light from the heavens.

    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.