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'Perseus turning Phineas to Stone', early 1680s
by Luca Giordano
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Andromeda was betrothed to Phineas, until Perseus rescued her from a sea monster (on his way back from slaying Medusa) and it was agreed she would marry him instead. At the wedding celebrations Phineas and his followers burst in to attack Perseus, who unveiled the severed head of Medusa and turned them to stone.
This scene of high drama is focused on the figure of Perseus in rich blue and his furious assailants, led by Phineas in yellow, turning the colour of stone as they prepare to hurl their spears.
The subject comes from the 'Metamorphoses' by the classical poet Ovid (43BC - 17AD), which retells ancient Greek and Roman legends, unifying them through the theme of the title.
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Photo © The National Gallery, London
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