- 146
Bridget Riley
Description
- Bridget Riley
- Danae
- signed and dated '90 on the right side edge; signed, titled, dated 1990 and variously inscribed on the overlap; signed, titled, dated 1990 and variously inscribed on the stretcher
- oil on linen
- 165 by 227cm.; 65 by 89 3/8 in.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner
Exhibited
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Riley has been strongly influenced by the colours and patterns found within nature throughout her career, utilising her own experiences of her surroundings. The use of verdant greens alongside earthy reds and oranges and shades of marine blue within Danae arguably references the inspiration of the environment, creating a glorious kaleidoscope of naturalistic colour tones. Riley also appears to have made reference to mythological influences through the title of the work, evoking the ancient Greek tale of Danae. The daughter of King Acrisius and Queen Euridice, Danae has been immortalised by artists throughout the centuries due to the existence of a legend in which Zeus descends on Danae disguised as a shower of gold, resulting in the birth of their half-divine son, Perseus. The bright yellow and warm gold tones that recur within Danae can arguably be read as alluding to Zeus in his fantastical guise, allowing Danae to be viewed as a contemporary interpretation of a classical myth. In its astounding technical and magisterial exploitation of the diagonal, Danae presents a captivating and carefully curated surge of colour with which the viewer is drawn to engage.