Danae and the infant Perseus cast out to sea by Acrisius 1543

Giorgio Ghisi created this engraving, *Danae and the infant Perseus cast out to sea by Acrisius*, around 1555. The stark contrast between light and shadow immediately draws our eye to the figures of Danae and Perseus, underscoring their vulnerability. Ghisi masterfully uses line and form to convey both narrative and emotion. The receding lines of the boat create depth, while the turbulent lines depicting water and foliage contribute to a sense of unease. Note the stoic resignation on Danae's face as she sits, head in hand, in contrast to Acrisius’s purposeful stance as he casts them off. Structurally, the composition is divided, separating Danae and Perseus from Acrisius. This division represents not just physical distance but also moral and emotional separation. Consider how this calculated arrangement of figures and lines creates a scene ripe with tension and pathos, inviting contemplation on themes of fate, injustice, and resilience.