Perseus with the Head of Medusa

Image credit: National Trust Images

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Notes

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This sculpture is after Antonio Canova's marble statue of 1801, now in the Vatican Museum, Rome. Perseus is depicted triumphant with the severed head of Medusa in his left hand. He is shown in a winged hat (the 'Cap of Hades'), winged sandals lent to him by Hermes and a sword in his right hand lent to him by Zeus. Perseus stands in a contrapposto pose, with his weight on his left leg. His head is turned to look at the severed head of Medusa in his left hand.

Although its exact date of purchase is unknown, the sculpture was acquired prior to March 1837 when it was listed in an inventory of the house. The statue would have been acquired during the time of minority of the 4th Duke, George John Frederick Sackville, or soon after his death.

National Trust, Knole

Sevenoaks

Title

Perseus with the Head of Medusa

Date

1801–1835

Medium

plaster & wood

Measurements

H 200 x W 140 x D 50 cm

Accession number

128705

Work type

Statue

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National Trust, Knole

Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RP England

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