Perseus Arming by Sir Alfred Gilbert

Perseus Arming 1881 - 1883

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Dimensions: object: 368 x 178 x 121 mm

Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate

Editor: Okay, next up we have Sir Alfred Gilbert's bronze sculpture, Perseus Arming. It feels like a moment of quiet preparation before the big heroic act. What catches your eye? Curator: I love how Gilbert captures the anticipation, that breath before the plunge. Notice the exquisite detail – the delicate wings on his helmet and ankles, symbols of swiftness and divine aid. He’s not just a hero; he’s a messenger, a bridge between worlds. Editor: So, it's about more than just physical strength? Curator: Exactly! It's about intellect, agility, destiny... and maybe a touch of self-doubt before facing Medusa. What do you think? Editor: Hmm, interesting perspective. I'll have to consider that. Curator: Art is about seeing things differently.

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tatebritain's Profile Picture
tatebritain about 16 hours ago

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/gilbert-perseus-arming-n04828

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tatebritain's Profile Picture
tatebritain about 16 hours ago

The deeds of the Greek hero Perseus included slaying the snake-haired Gorgon, Medusa, and rescuing the beautiful maiden Andromeda from a sea-monster. Gilbert’s statue shows Perseus preparing himself for action. The artist wrote: ‘at that time my whole thoughts were of my artistic equipment for the future [so] I conceived the idea that Perseus, before becoming a hero, was a mere mortal and that he had to look to his equipment’. The work was essentially an allegory of Gilbert’s sculptural ambition. Gallery label, November 2016