Voorstelling van Perseus en Andromeda, 1577 1577 - 1578

Antoni van Leest’s “Voorstelling van Perseus en Andromeda,” created in 1577, is rendered with detailed lines, giving a striking and dramatic visual experience. The stark contrast between light and shadow heightens the emotional tension of the scene, drawing us into the heart of the narrative. The composition is structured around the dynamic interplay of the three figures; Andromeda, the monster and Perseus. Van Leest uses a semiotic system of signs to convey meaning: Andromeda’s nakedness signifying vulnerability, the dragon representing chaos, and Perseus embodying heroism and salvation. The artist destabilizes traditional representations through his dynamic rendering of the scene. The perspective is flattened, focusing attention on symbolic gestures and poses. These choices invite viewers to engage with the work critically, not just as a depiction of myth but as an invitation to delve deeper into themes of power, freedom, and transformation. This print functions not just aesthetically but as part of a larger cultural and philosophical discourse.