Danae and Perseus Exposed 1790 - 1800

Edward Francis Burney made this small drawing of 'Danae and Perseus Exposed' in pen and gray ink, likely at the turn of the 19th century in Britain. Here Danae and her infant son are cast out to sea in a small boat. Burney's treatment of this classical subject offers insights into the aesthetic and social values of his time. The narrative, drawn from Greek mythology, highlights themes of injustice and female vulnerability, which resonated with contemporary social issues. In eighteenth-century Britain, the art world was increasingly shaped by institutions like the Royal Academy, which influenced artistic styles and subject matter. Burney's detailed, linear style reflects the academic emphasis on draftsmanship. To fully appreciate this work, further research into the artist's biography, the cultural context of eighteenth-century Britain, and the influence of classical mythology on British art is essential. Historical context reveals the artwork's meaning and its engagement with the social norms of the time.