Perseus and Andromeda
In the famous tale from Greek mythology, Andromeda is chained to a rock on the shore as a sacrifice to a sea monster sent by Poseidon, God of the Sea. The hero
Perseus appears on horseback just in time to save Andromeda from her death. Eros (Roman: Cupid) has also appeared situated between them both as a sign of there intense desire for each other. Perseus is depicted with wings on his ankles.
The portrayal of the naked Andromeda by the Victorian painter William Etty of York will not have surprised his critics. The controversial artist divided opinion between those who admired his skilful and colourful renditions of historical and classical subjects and those who disapproved of his use of female nudes and dismissed his work as titillation.
Perseus appears on horseback just in time to save Andromeda from her death. Eros (Roman: Cupid) has also appeared situated between them both as a sign of there intense desire for each other. Perseus is depicted with wings on his ankles.
The portrayal of the naked Andromeda by the Victorian painter William Etty of York will not have surprised his critics. The controversial artist divided opinion between those who admired his skilful and colourful renditions of historical and classical subjects and those who disapproved of his use of female nudes and dismissed his work as titillation.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 377/1971
- Category
- Fine Art
- Collection Class
- Paintings
- Medium
- oil on canvas
- Common Name
- Perseus and Andromeda
- Simple Name
- painting
- Period Classification
- George I (1714-1727)
- Production Country
- France or Italy
- Production Person Surname
- French or Venetian School
- Production Year Low
- 1727
- Production Year High
- 1760
