Perseus and Andromeda
Artist
Jacques de Gheyn II
(Dutch, 1565–1629)
Dateearly 17th century
Mediumengraving on cream laid paper
Dimensions28.6 x 20.8 cm (sheet)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineHarriet B. Bancroft Fund
Object number1979.67
Label TextThe legendary founder of Mycenae, Perseus was the first hero of Greek mythology. To redeem her boastful mother Cassiopeia, the princess Andromeda was condemned to a horrible death. Poseidon, god of the sea, demanded that the young woman be chained on a rocky shore, to be devoured by a fearsome sea monster. De Gheyn’s slouching Andromeda seems to have given up all hope, but Perseus arrives on his winged steed to kill the beast. The artist adapted the image from a famous print by Goltzius, who instead had presented a brave, classicizing female nude.On View
Not on view
