On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01663
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Perseus Freeing Andromeda
- Chronology
- 1641-1642
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 265 cm x 160 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- No
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
As punishment for the vanity of
Cassiopeia, who thought herself
more beautiful than the Neriads,
Poseidon, god of the seas, sent a
monster to the kingdom of Ethiopia.
Its fury could only be detained if
it received Cassiopeia's daughter,
Andromeda.
This painting illustrates the
moment when Perseus frees Andromeda
from her bounds. He is in love with
her, as is made clear by the
presence of Cupid with his quiver,
and later makes her his wife.
Hymen, goddess of marriage,
announces this engagement with her
customary torch. In the background,
Rubens depicts Pegasus, Perseus'
steed, alongside the slain
monster.
This work was commissioned by
Felipe IV for the New Hall at
Madrid's Alcázar Palace, as an
political allegory of the power of
the Spanish Monarchy. The hero,
with armor that was modern in the
sixteenth century, a helmet and a
shield with Medusa's head, was thus
a metaphor of the King himself, and
of his dominion over evil.
This is one of the last paintings
Rubens took on. After his death in
1640, it was finished by Jacob
Jordaens.
