Object on focus: Perseus and Medusa through Marqueste’s and Canova’s eyes
According to the myth, Medusa was a beautiful woman with long hair made of snakes. She was once a priestess in the temple of Athena, but was punished by the goddess for having a love affair with Poseidon in her temple. As a result of this transgression, Athena turned Medusa into a hideous creature with snakes for hair, whose gaze would turn any living being to stone.
Perseus, a demigod and son of Zeus, was sent on a quest by King Polydectes to bring back the head of Medusa as a gift. With the help of Athena and Hermes, Perseus managed to cut off Medusa’s head while looking at her reflection in his shield, thus avoiding her deadly gaze. He then used Medusa’s head as a weapon, turning his enemies to stone and fulfilling his mission.
The myth of Perseus and Medusa has been a popular subject in art throughout history, and has been depicted in many different ways. In particular, we want to focus on two notable sculptures that depict this myth: Perseus Slaying Medusa by Marqueste and Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Canova.
Perseus Slaying Medusa by Marqueste is a marble sculpture created between 1876 and 1903. It depicts Perseus in the act of severing Medusa’s head, while his right hand holds a sword. The sculpture is highly detailed, with intricate depictions of Medusa’s snake hair and Perseus’s muscles. It also conveys a sense of movement and action, with Perseus appearing about to complete his heroic feat.
On the other hand, Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Canova is a marble sculpture created in 1804. Unlike Marqueste’s sculpture, Canova’s work depicts Perseus holding Medusa’s head aloft in his right hand, while his left hand holds a draped cloth that covers his body. The sculpture is highly polished, with a smooth surface that highlights the beauty and elegance of the figures. It also conveys a sense of triumph and victory, with Perseus appearing calm and confident.
While Marqueste’s sculpture emphasizes action and movement, Canova’s work highlights beauty and elegance. Both sculptures are powerful and memorable depictions of this timeless myth.
Both 3D versions of the artefacts can be dowloaded freely on Scan the World.
