The recognized world masterpiece by Rembrandt - the painting "Danae" - was vandalized in 1985. One of the visitors to the Hermitage first doused it with sulfuric acid, and then cut it with a knife. The damage was so great that experts doubted the success of the restoration work. However, the professionalism of the restorers helped to restore Rembrandt's masterpiece.
The history of the painting
At the time of the creation of the painting "Danae" - in 1636 - Harmenszoon van Rijn Rembrandt was already the most famous master in Holland. This picture reproduces an episode of the famous ancient Greek myth about Danae, the daughter of the Argos king Acrisius, to whom the Oracle predicted the death at the hands of his own grandson. To avoid death, Acrisius imprisoned Danae in a copper mansion, guarded by fierce dogs. However, this did not stop Zeus. He penetrated into the tower with a golden rain, and Danae gave birth to a son, Perseus.
Rembrandt in his painting depicted the moment of penetration into the tower of Zeus in the form of a golden rain. The perfection of the composition and the richness of the painting in golden shades are striking. There is nothing superfluous in this work, every detail is thought out by the author. With the help of a lively and free brushstroke, the master conveys the lightness of the bedspread, folds of heavy curtains and draperies. The flexible plastic of a young woman's body, illuminated by soft light, is perfect. The whole appearance of Danae delights the audience with charm, freshness and deep sensuality.
His dearly beloved wife Saskia van Eilenburg, whom he immortalized on such masterpieces as Flora and Self-portrait with Saskia on her knees, posed for Rembrandt as a model.
Vandalism
On June 15, 1985, a man came to the Hermitage with an excursion. In one of the halls where "Danae" was exhibited, he first asked the museum curator which of the paintings was the most valuable here. Then he went to "Danae", took out a bottle from under the floor of his jacket and threw all its contents onto the canvas. Immediately, the paint in the painting began to bubble and began to change color. As the experts later found out, there was sulfuric acid in the bottle. But this was not enough for the attacker, he took a knife out of his pocket and slashed the picture twice.
The vandal turned out to be a 48-year-old resident of Lithuania Bronius Maigis. He explained his act by political motives. However, the court found him mentally ill (he was diagnosed with sluggish schizophrenia). Bronius Maigis was placed in the Leningrad psychiatric hospital, where he spent 6 years. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Maygis was sent to a Lithuanian psychiatric hospital, from where he was soon released.
The restoration of "Danae" lasted for 12 long years. The best restorers of the country were involved in the work. In 1997, the painting again took its place in the Hermitage exposition. Now "Danayu" is protected by armored glass.
