Danae and the Shower of Gold 1545 - 1580

This silver plaquette, "Danae and the Shower of Gold," by Pompeo Leoni, depicts the mythological scene where the Greek goddess Danae, reclined on a bed, is showered with gold coins by Zeus, who is disguised as a shower of gold. This small, yet detailed work, showcases Leoni's ability to capture the drama and emotion of the scene, even in such a small format. It was made between 1545-1580, a period when Renaissance sculpture was at its height, and Leoni's work exemplifies this trend. Today, it can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.