Jupiter en Danaë 1861 - 1889

William Unger created this print titled "Jupiter en Danaë", now held at the Rijksmuseum, using etching techniques. The image depicts a scene from Greek mythology. Jupiter, disguised as golden rain, visits Danaë, who is confined to a tower. This print was made in the Netherlands, a country known for its rich tradition of printmaking. Unger was a key figure in the etching revival of the late 19th century, which saw a renewed interest in etching as an original art form. In this period, artists sought to elevate printmaking to the level of painting. Figures such as Unger critiqued the traditional art academy. His works were informed by those of old masters and he sought to emulate their work in print. Understanding Unger’s work requires us to consider the socio-economic context of the 19th century art world. Through archival research, we can analyze the institutional history and the social networks that supported Unger’s work. This kind of historical work enriches our understanding of this image, as it shows how cultural and social conditions can affect artistic production.