Italia

Statues - Hither & Thither

Site Search:
Firenze
Firenze (prov.)

Toscana

Piazza della Signoria
(Loggia dei Lanzi)

Perseo con la testa di Medusa

Perseus with the Head of Medusa

In Greek mythology, Perseus was, alongside Cadmus and Bellerophon, the greatest Greek hero and slayer of monsters before the days of Heracles. Perseus beheaded the Gorgon Medusa and saved Andromeda from the sea monster Cetus
(Wikipedia)
Benvenuto Cellini
1545

Firenze /  Perseo con la testa di Medusa   Firenze /  Perseo con la testa di Medusa

Description

Bronze statue of Perseus standing naked except for a sash and winged sandals, and with a curved sword, a gift of Mercury. He wears winged sandals, like Mercury's, and a helmet with wings (resembling Mercury's hat). He stands triumphant on top of the body of Medusa with her snakey head in his raised hand. The body of Medusa spews blood from her severed neck.

The marble base has four niches with bronze statuettes

Firenze - Perseo con la testa di Medusa

Jupiter, Perseus father

te fili si qvis
læserit vltor
ero

Firenze - Perseo con la testa di Medusa

Minerva

qvo vincas
clypevm do tibi
casta soror

Firenze - Perseo con la testa di Medusa

Mercurius

fris vt arma
geras nvdvs ad
astra volo

Firenze - Perseo con la testa di Medusa

Danaë and her son Perseus

tvta iove ac
tanto pignore
læta fvgor

Firenze - Perseo con la testa di Medusa

The square base has a bronze relief panel depicting the story of Perseus and Andromeda.

The sculpture stands upon on a square base with bronze relief panels depicting the story of Perseus and Andromeda.

Signature

benvenvtvs cellinvs civis floren...

Sculptor

Sources & Information

Tags

  • Country: Italy
  • Andromeda
  • Athena / Minerva
  • Cellini, Benvenuto
  • Danaë
  • Jupiter / Zeus
  • Medusa
  • Mercurius / Hermes
  • Perseus
  • Locatie (N 43°46'9" - E 11°15'20") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

    Item Code: itto045; Photograph: 8 May 2017
    Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
    If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
    © Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

    Bronzefiguren Kaufen

    Your banner here? Click for information.