Perseus Freeing Andromeda (Rubens)

Perseus Freeing Andromeda is a painting by the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens, executed in 1622. It is housed in the Gemäldegalerie of Berlin, Germany.

Perseus Freeing Andromeda
ArtistPeter Paul Rubens
Year1620
MediumOil on panel
Dimensions100 cm × 138.5 cm (39 in × 54.5 in)
LocationGemäldegalerie, Berlin

The painting belonged the M. Pasquier collection in Rouen, which was auctioned in 1755 in Paris. In the 18th century it entered the collection of Frederick II of Prussia and, in 1830, it became part of the Berlinese museum collection.

The scene is similar to another Perseus Freeing Andromeda by Rubens now in the Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg. It depicts the Greek mythology hero Perseus in the act of freeing Andromeda, after defeating the sea monster which kept her as prisoner. Perseus, wearing helmet, cuirass and cloak, is sided by two puttoes, and one of them is helping him in removing the ropes that tie Andromeda to the rock.

On the left, two puttoes are playing with Pegasus, Perseus' winged horse.

  • Earlier painting by Lambert Sustris may have served as inspiration for this painting

Sources
  • Jaffé, M. (1989). Catalogo completo di Rubens. Rizzoli. p. 375.


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