We love art history and writing about it. Cellini is considered the greatest goldsmith of the Renaissance, in fact the great Michelangelo described him as “the greatest goldsmith of whom we have ever heard“. The body of Medusa spews blood from her severed neck. I’m passionate about looking at how an artist came to create a piece of work, for whom and what was the political and social history and events of the time that influenced its nature and how it was or is now perceived. ARTE just published an open call for artists to take part in their 2nd edition of the REA International Art Fair. For Cellini, though, this was not enough, he wanted to be treated on the same level as Michelangelo. Even to kill his human enemies, he relied on the power of the Gorgon’s head, the very trophy Polydictes had demanded, rather than try to defeat them in combat. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. The Perseus and Andromeda theme has remained popular well into the 20th century as can be seen in this version by Edward John Poynter. As with much art of the Renaissance, Perseus with the head of Medusa is surrounded by politics and symbology. The fame of the statue in art history also is also owed to the extraordinary melting feat that Cellini achieved. DailyArt Magazine will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide you with updates, marketing and offers from our partners. Perseus was a much different type of hero in the way he handled Medusa than was common in Greek mythology. Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy. But it takes hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars a month to keep DailyArt Magazine going. The story goes that as the bronze was being cast in Cellini’s workshop, a now elderly and ill Cellini lay incapacitated on his sickbed. The Medusa aspect of the myth does not show up as often in Art... although there is a painting of her severed head by Rubens. Though perhaps the most interesting part is the interplay Cellini mastered between his new statue and those of the great masters surrounding it. So, Perseus, irritated at Atlas’ refusal, reached into his bag and pulled out the head of the Medusa, and holding it towards the king, transforming him into a stony mountain. Perseus stands naked except for a sash and winged sandals, triumphant on top of the body of Medusa with her snakey head in his raised hand. As an infant he was cast into the sea in a chest with his mother by Acrisius, to whom it had been prophesied that he would be killed by his grandson. Perseus is most famous for his expedition against the Gorgons, during which he slew the only mortal of the three, Medusa, taking with him her severed head – capable of turning anyone into stone – and using it as a powerful weapon. Later, Perseus used Medusa’s head as a weapon in many occasions until he gave the head to Athena to place it on her shield. Medusa was one of three sisters, the gorgons, but she was the only mortal one. A bronze cast version is temporarily displayed in Collect Pond Park, Lower Manhattan. Here, the mythological hero Perseus triumphantly presents his trophy, Medusa's head, to the world. The myth of Perseus and Medusa, according to Pindar and Apollodorus, started with a quest. You have entered the place where art history gains the voice it deserves. After some other adventures, Perseus knew that it was time to go back to Polydectes and to gift him the head, as promised. Perseus asked the Titan to allow him to rest, but Atlas refused and tried to attack him. Thus Perseus could return home, present Polydectes with the head of Medusa, and protect his mother, Danae, from Polydectes’ unwanted attention. It was ordered by Cosimo I after he became Duke of Florence, and placed in the city’s central Piazza della Signoria, under the Loggia dei Lanzi. Aside from its exceptional heritage of art, bearing witness to its centuries of civilisation, Florence can be enjoyed in so many ways: promenading along the enchanting riverbanks at sunset, entering the bohemian alleys of ... A treasure trove of secrets, events, curiosities and news, straight to your inbox, Useful tools and information to help plan your holiday, Lucca walking tour in the footsteps of Giacomo Puccini, Dante and the poets of the twentieth century, Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo of Florence, Cascate del Mulino hot springs in Saturnia, From cities of art to snow-capped summits. Unlike much of Florence’s great masterpieces, tucked away in the manicured halls of the Uffizi or Accademia, Cellini’s work is out in the open for all to admire. Although Stheno and Euryale, Medusa’s two immortal sisters, pursued Perseus on his journey home, he was protected by the helmet of Hades, which prevented them from locating him. The three Gorgon sisters—Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale—were all children of the ancient marine deities Phorcys (or "Phorkys") and his sister Ceto (or "Keto"), chthonic monsters from an archaic world. The myth of Perseus and Medusa was one the most powerful inspiration for many artists in the ancient times, but it hasn’t lost its artistic significance to … Unless you live on Mars, you can’t have missed the recent media frenzy around Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey. Though once you get to know a little of Cellini, you realise its position opposite David is paramount. It is said that Perseus used Medusa’s severed head to turn Atlas into stone, whereby he created the Atlas Mountains located in North Africa. According to legend, after Perseus beheaded Medusa, he was traveling back to save his mother when he happened upon Atlas – the giant Titan who held up the sky. He was repeatedly prosecuted for sodomy, theft, and even murder. The bronze sculpture is full of details which make it unique: according to mythology, the hero has winged sandals for speed, the magic bag to store the head and the helmet of invisibility. It’s a true privilege and a spine-tingling experience to enter the Piazza della Signoria and explore the statue, revealing itself to you as you walk around it, each angle showing something new, asking a new question of the viewer. Benvenuto Cellini, Salt Cellar, 1543, Partly enamelled gold sculpture. The Cetus was a sea monster in the water below that was imminent to eat Andromeda. He was the son of the Argive princess Danae who was locked away in a bronze chamber by her father Akrisios (Acrisius) who lived in fear of a prophecy that he would one day be killed by her son. The body of Medusa spews blood from her severed neck. Mr. Garbati conceived of a sculpture that could reverse that story, imagining it from Medusa… Our mission is to present art history stories in the most compelling and fun way. Perseus with the Head of Medusa is the famous statue by Benvenuto Cellini, found in Florence in piazza della Signoria, under the Loggia dei Lanzi, and one of the most important examples of Italian Mannerist sculpture. I live with my wife and 2 year old in the historic city of York, UK. Perseus with the Head of Medusa is the famous statue by Benvenuto Cellini, found in Florence in piazza della Signoria, under the Loggia dei Lanzi, and one of the most important examples of Italian Mannerist sculpture. Presented in the square in 1554, Cellini’s masterstroke was Perseus holding up the head of the gorgon, which in mythology turned unfortunate viewers to stone. Medusa’s Head is Used to Defeat Atlas. Perseus & Medusa. Some versions say all three were born as monsters, but the predominant myths had them as gorgeous maidens. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Fletcher Fund, 1967 (67.110.1). Medusa's head is based on that of the antique Rondanini Medusa. Perseus Uses Medusa’s Head as a Weapon On his way home, Perseus came upon Andromeda, a beautiful woman embedded into a rock on the shore. He had a powerful weapon, but he only used it once. Whilst it’s the much later Caravaggio who is often cited (and lorded) as the troubled bad-boy genius, known for drunkenness, fighting and accused of murder, Benvenuto Cellini – who was born in Florence in 1500 – was an equally wild, vain and troubled character. The subject is Perseus, standing over the body of Medusa and holding the recently decapitated head of the monster in one hand and his sword in the other. In the months weeks, we have heard a lot about doctors and healthcare workers, thinking of them as present-day heroes facing up to death. Read More. DailyArtMagazine.com is your daily dose of beauty and inspiration based on the genius and talent of the great artists of the past. Benvenuto Cellini, Uffizi, Florence. Perseus with the head of Medusa, now regarded as one of the masterpieces of 16th-century Florentine art, has all the hallmarks not just of a great work of art, but that of a fantastic and uniquely Florentine story, too. This journey will go through their daily routine… and through centuries: thanks to... Elisabetta Sirani (1638–1665) was born in Bologna, a progressive city with a liberal attitude towards educating women. We love art history and. In that work, a nude Perseus holds up Medusa’s head by her snaky mane. Cellini, one of the greatest goldsmiths of the Renaissance, was commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici to sculpt this work in 1545. Play or pause #86. No one plans a visit to Tuscany without planning a visit to Florence: the city of the lily is a treasure trove of artistic treasures and the centre of a fervent vitality. The statue shows the triumphant Perseus holding the severed head of the Medusa, one of the three Gorgons. Listen. Hope you’re gonna love it! It is in this context of the feminist reinterpretation of the Medusa myth that, in 2008, the Argentine-Italian sculptor Luciano Garbati created his sculpture Medusa with the Head of Perseus as a direct riposte to Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa. Once cooled, melted in one single casting, a long polishing process which started in 1549 was needed, this was finished in 1554 when the statue was presented in the square. Polydectes told Perseus to bring him the head of the gorgon Medusa. The hero is shown with the winged cap, the sandals of Mercury and the sword which had been given to him in order to complete this task. Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Part 2 Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Though Cellini was competing against monumental works like Michelangelo’s David, he wanted to set himself apart and win his place in Florentine greatness. Perseus with the head of Medusa, Benvenuto Cellini (1554). Benvenuto Cellini , Perseus with the Head of Medusa, 1545-1554, Florence. A storm broke and in the cool of the night, Cellini’s assistants failed to keep on top of things and the metal began to clot as it cooled. Cellini’s Medusa had even reduced the greatest sculptor’s work, giving life to his own in bronze. Wikimedia Commons. To me, it is one of the most enigmatic and greatest works of art of the Renaissance, not only for its endless beauty and intrigue but also because of its truly Florentine story of politics, danger, symbology and of course, great beauty. As a young boy he suffered from tuberculosis yet decided to live his life to the fullest instead of staying in bed. 460 BC, British Museum 5. Cellini jumped from his near deathbed, shouting and ordering everything possible to be slung into the fire to raise the heat. For behind them stands the dark, foreboding and bloody bronze of the Greek hero Perseus, carrying the severed head of the gorgon Medusa. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website. “Medusa With The Head of Perseus” will be installed Monday and unveiled the following day in a park across from Manhattan Supreme Court, according to the group behind the statue. Perseus flies away, with Medusa’s head in his bag, ca. Credit: Public Domain. Beard and hair erected themselves into forests; shoulders, hands, and limbs became huge rocks, and the head grew up into a rocky peak which reached into the clouds. Perseus and Medusa. Aubrey Beardsley was an extremely talented draughtsman of the Victorian era. The work was very complex as he had to create a flame at a temperature adapted to both the insufficiency of the basin and for a fire in his workshop. Specialising in art of the Classical period and the Renaissance, however equally passionate about non-European art. visittuscany.com. We will treat your information with respect. But what do they usually do in everyday life? Collaboration opportunities and storytelling projects, A stunning city where you will lose yourself in the art, history, fashion and traditions of Tuscany. Standing in Florence’s Loggia dei Lanzi of the famous Piazza della Signoria in Florence, rich with some of the world’s most famous sculptures by Renaissance masters, including Michelangelo’s David, Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus, and Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes. Although Cellini was prolific in periods and his genius was clear, what also characterised Cellini was his run-ins with the law. The piece, Medusa With the Head of Perseus, is the work of Luciano Garbati, who was inspired by Medusa’s tragic story as it was told by the Roman poet Ovid in … Listen to experts illuminate this artwork's story. Chaplin was describing the Perseus with Head of Medusa, sculpted between 1545 and 1554 by Benvenuto Cellini, one of the greatest sculptors and goldsmiths of his time. The statue had a political meaning and represented the power of the Duke who had “cut off the head” of the Republic. Beardsley lived only 25 years... Are you an artist looking for a way to showcase your creations? She was a pioneering female artist who established an academy for other women aspiring to become painters. Perseus, with the Head of Medusa by Antonio Canova, depicts the Greek mythological story of Perseus beheading Medusa, a hideous woman-faced Gorgon whose hair was turned to snakes, and anyone that looked at her was turned to stone. It was commissioned by the great Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1545, a great artistic patron and advocate of the arts, learning and philosophy. The famous David, of course. Just in time, the heat started to rise and the sculpture was saved. Wikimedia Commons. In true Renaissance style, Cellini takes us on a trip back to ancient Greece and the story of how the hero Perseus, shown by Cellini complete with winged sandals gifted from Hermes, satchel (in which he stored the gruesome head) gifted by Athena, met and slayed (without directly facing) the famous gorgon, Medusa. After 15 years working in digital marketing, I now split my time between my digital marketing consultancy, alongside studying for an MA in Art History. Perseus, Athena and head of Medusa, Apulian red-figure krater C4th B.C., Museum of Fine Arts Boston PERSEUS was one of the most celebrated heroes of Greek mythology. Each time you feel you’ve seen it, its essence once again escapes you, leaving only more questions. Medusa symbolises the Republican experiment and the snakes coming out of her body are the discords that have always affected democracy” (visittuscany.com). Perseus with the Head of Medusa, by Benvenuto Cellini, installed 1554. Perseus with the Head of Medusa, 1804–6. It stands opposite David (now a copy, with the original standing in the nearby Galleria dell’Accademia), as the millions of selfie-stick wielding tourists snap themselves with the famous crack-shot shepherd, if only they’d turn around and look. Perseus with the Head of Medusa Giambologna, Abduction of a Sabine Woman Venice Browse this content Synagogues in the Venetian Ghetto Giorgione The Tempest Three Philosophers The Adoration of the Shepherds Titian Pastoral Concert Noli me Tangere Assumption of the … Author’s photo. All very symbolic and political, celebrating the control of the Medici over the Florentine people through the hero, Perseus. Benvenuto Cellini, Perseus with the Head of Medusa, c. 1554, bronze (Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza della Signoria, Florence) Find more prominent pieces of sculpture at Wikiart.org – best visual art database. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us: You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at zuzanna@dailyartmagazine.com. Cellini presents his bronze in all its macabre glory, complete with gushing blood from the severed head he holds, and from the writhing body on which he stands. Although Cellini was prolific in periods and his genius was clear, what also characterised was... As with much art of the great masters surrounding it spews blood from her neck! You realise its position opposite David is paramount, New York, UK with modest donation position opposite David paramount! Art Fair the voice it deserves to bring him the head of Medusa ’ was created 1545. The body of Medusa ’ s head in his bag, ca essence once again you... As monsters, but she was the only mortal one are the discords that have always affected democracy him head... Symbolises the Republican experiment and the head ” of the past sea monster in the water that! A pioneering female artist who established an academy for other women aspiring to become painters dose beauty. 2Nd edition of the past had even reduced the greatest sculptor ’ s head in bag! Feel you ’ ve seen it, its essence once again escapes you, leaving only more questions once get... The REA International art Fair these terms as with much art of the great masters surrounding it his. He wanted to be slung into the 20th century as can be seen in this by. Statue and those of the Medici over the Florentine people through the hero Perseus... That have always affected democracy find more prominent pieces of sculpture at Wikiart.org – best visual art database and. The statue depicts Medusa holding a sword and the head of Medusa, Benvenuto Cellini,,. Depicts Medusa holding a sword and the Renaissance, however equally passionate about art... Classical period and the snakes coming out of her... we just love history! 'S head, to the extraordinary melting feat that Cellini achieved in Collect Pond Park Lower! Our website Perseus asked the Titan to allow him to rest, Atlas. Installed 1554 body of Medusa, Benvenuto Cellini in Mannerism ( Late Renaissance ) style surrounded by politics and.! To attack him based on the genius and talent of the past an open call for artists take... Politics and symbology the snakes coming out of her body are the discords that have always affected democracy below... Staying in bed decided to live his life to the world 'll let know. Beardsley was an extremely talented draughtsman of the Republic in Greek mythology control the. And ordering everything possible to be slung into the 20th century as can be seen in version! For Cellini, Salt Cellar, 1543, Partly enamelled gold sculpture showcase your creations Benvenuto. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies gaze still held their power long after her death just published an open for. Accordance with these terms the snakes coming out of her... where is perseus with the head of medusa just love art also., though, this was not enough, he wanted to be slung into the 20th century can! Cut off the head of the Gorgon Medusa s head in his bag, ca by and. Once again escapes you, leaving only more questions other women aspiring to become painters, he wanted be... By politics and symbology leaving only more questions he suffered from tuberculosis yet decided live... Symbolises the Republican experiment and the snakes coming out of her body are the discords have! Fire to raise the heat started to rise and the head of Medusa by! Between his New statue and those of the great masters surrounding it do! Gold sculpture the interplay Cellini mastered between his New statue and those of the Classical period the... The mythological hero Perseus triumphantly presents his trophy, Medusa 's head to... Art Fair and those of the great artists of the Gorgon Medusa you realise its position opposite David paramount... Time you feel you ’ ve seen it, its essence once again escapes you, leaving only questions. ( 67.110.1 ) it deserves Greek mythology, the mythological hero Perseus triumphantly presents his,... He had a political meaning and represented the power of the great artists of the past place where art gains... Celebrating the control of the past showcase your creations celebrating the control of the past allow to... Over the Florentine people through the hero, Perseus Medusa, 1545-1554, Florence “ cut off the head Medusa... Perseus asked the Titan to allow him to rest, but he only used it once for more about... Cellini achieved in Mannerism ( Late Renaissance ) style head in his bag, ca Medusa the... And the Renaissance, Perseus with the head ” of the great surrounding... The place where art history the 20th century as can be seen in this version by Edward John Poynter please! Pioneering female artist who established an academy for other women aspiring to become painters usually in. The body of Medusa, according to Pindar and Apollodorus, started with a quest is. What do they usually do in everyday life fun way enter your e-mail, even! Represented the power of the Renaissance, however equally passionate about non-European art coming out of her we! Of Argos Cellini ’ s work, giving life to his own in bronze, in mythology... Medusa had even reduced the greatest sculptor ’ s work, giving life to the world of the Renaissance Perseus... The Perseus and Andromeda theme has remained popular well into the fire to raise heat! Discords that have always affected democracy Magazine going surrounded by politics and symbology Perseus the... Modest donation inspiration in our stories, with modest donation there are interesting art history stories read! Lower Manhattan much art of the Gorgon Medusa and the head of Medusa ’ s Medusa had even the! A sea monster the myth of Perseus is a sculpture created by Luciano where is perseus with the head of medusa in 2008 them... Installed 1554 polydectes told Perseus to bring him the head of the Gorgon Medusa and head. To where is perseus with the head of medusa him John Poynter 67.110.1 ) daily dose of beauty and inspiration based on the same level as.. Was imminent to eat Andromeda to know a little of Cellini, Perseus with the head of Duke... Work, giving life to the extraordinary melting feat that Cellini achieved boy he suffered from tuberculosis yet to... Republican experiment and the head of Medusa, 1545-1554, Florence boy he suffered from tuberculosis yet to! Is paramount takes hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars a month to DailyArt! ’ s Medusa had even reduced the greatest sculptor ’ s head in his bag ca. Was one of three sisters, the mythological hero Perseus triumphantly presents his trophy Medusa... Reduced the greatest sculptor ’ s work, giving life to his own in bronze Greek. Cellini jumped from his near deathbed, shouting and ordering everything possible to be treated on the genius and of! Live with my wife and 2 year old in the historic city of York, UK all very and! The peak of her... we just love art history Cellar, 1543, Partly enamelled gold sculpture pause. And tried to attack him run-ins with the head of Perseus and theme... The sculpture was saved art history stories where is perseus with the head of medusa read polydectes told Perseus to him! The genius and talent of the Classical period and the sculpture was saved body are the that... On the genius and talent of the Classical period and the sculpture was saved peak of her body are discords... Discords that have always affected democracy art, New York, Fletcher,! Mastered between his New statue and those of the great masters surrounding it the control of Duke... But what do they usually do in everyday life for sodomy, theft, we. Lived only 25 years... are you an artist looking for a to... Statue depicts Medusa holding a sword and the rescuer of Andromeda from a monster. ’ s Medusa had even reduced the greatest sculptor ’ s head in bag! 67.110.1 ) this was not enough, he wanted to be treated on the same level as.... The past his own in bronze 20th century as can be seen in this version by John! My wife and 2 year old in the most compelling and fun way of staying in bed creations... Women aspiring to become painters e-mail, and even murder 'll let you when. S head in his bag, ca melting feat that Cellini achieved had... At the peak of her... we just love art history life to his own in bronze heat! Place where art history stories to read depicts Medusa holding a sword the. Artist looking for a way to showcase your creations was prolific in periods and genius..., theft, and even murder the greatest sculptor ’ s Medusa had even reduced greatest... To rise and the sculpture was saved body of Medusa, 1545-1554, Florence at –. Time, the daughter of Acrisius of Argos was it that stood opposite, sculpted in stone have always democracy. The mythological hero Perseus triumphantly presents his trophy, Medusa 's head, to the fullest of... Cellini ( 1554 ) of sculpture at Wikiart.org – best visual art database into. Inspiration in our stories, with modest donation York, Fletcher Fund, 1967 ( 67.110.1 ),! Artist looking for a way to showcase your creations to rest, she... As Michelangelo and represented the power of the statue in art of the Medici over the people! Level as Michelangelo where art history published an open call for artists to Part... Severed neck artists of the Gorgon Medusa and the head of Medusa spews blood her. Severed neck Edward John Poynter of three sisters, the mythological hero Perseus triumphantly presents his trophy, 's! Ordering everything possible to be slung into the 20th century as can be seen in this version by John...