The painting was inspired by the mythological story of Danaë. According to a Delphic prophecy, Danaë's child would kill Acrisius, so the ruler locked his daughter in a bronze chamber where no suitor could reach her. However, Zeus took a liking to Danaë, and through the roof, in the form of golden rain, impregnated the Argive princess. When Perseus was born, Acrisius flew into a terrible rage and locked his daughter and the infant in a chest, casting them into the sea. On the island of Seriphos, the chest, aided by sirens, washed ashore, where it was found by Dictys, the brother of the local king. He took care of Danaë and Perseus and brought them to the royal court. This is how Danaë met the king of Seriphos, Polydectes. The king fell in love with Danaë, but the Argive princess rejected his love. In revenge, Polydectes sent Perseus to kill Medusa, believing this would lead the boy to certain death. However, this did not happen, as the gods helped the young man: Athena gave him a mirror, Hermes provided a sword, and he was equipped with a bag to bring back Medusa's head as proof. After Perseus succeeded and returned to Seriphos, he showed Polydectes Medusa's severed head, which turned the king to stone. Dictys took his place on the throne. The Delphic prophecy was also fulfilled when Perseus accidentally struck Acrisius with a discus, killing him.
