Benvenuto Cellini, Perseus with the Head of Medusa, c. 1554, bronze (Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza della Signoria, Florence). Created by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. David Drogin
I saw this masterpiece of bronze sculptures as an 18-year-old art student and wondered how he managed to cast such a huge piece in that era... Now I know. Full marks for scholarship and presentation.
I was just there and stood not 10 feet away from all of these statues, and I did not make the connection between Medusa and the 'stone' David and Hercules. Mind blowing.
What a grizzly sculpture! 🙊 I think Cellini's the first artist I've seen with his own sculpture, so that's noteworthy. After hearing about his confidence, tenacity, and ingenuity, I can see why he was honored this way. It turned me to stone a little, I can't lie. lol.
The story is that Cellini pinched some of the tin Cosimo had paid for (expensive, but essential for the bronze to flow - tests show the casting is low on tin). Hence, the need to add pewter- basically tin - to get it to flow. A genius he was, but decidedly bent.
I would like to know how was the Duke's reaction when Cellini successfully casted this beautiful, perfect sculpture. Also, do you know why Antonio Canova's Persus has apparently more recognition than this one? That's something I would want to understand. Thank you, really interesting video on perhaps my favorite sculpture all time.
There's a book based off of the story of casting this sculpture. Its titled "the spirit ring" by Lois McMaster Boujold. I found it extremely enjoyable!
Actually the myth is incorrect. Athena turned Medusa into a Gorgon as a punishment for violating her temple. Athena does help Perseus slay Medusa but Athena's the one who turned Medusa into a Gorgon.
Which author/text is the source you are citing? I don’t want to say this retelling is wrong but I’m unaware of this version of her as a sorceress, Hera was the one who punished her, among some other major details.
he also said she tried to seduce Zeus and his wife Hera cursed her for it. but i thought Poseidon raped her and due to Athenia being jealous of medusa's beauty she changed her to a monster out of spite?
This is great! The one correction is that Medusa is raped by Poseidon in a temple to Athena, so Athena curses her. It's basically the one time that Zeus isn't responsible for a rape! great vid other than that!
@@VenexoGaming Stephen Fry's book just came out called Mythos which isn't terrible. The standard is still the books by Edith Hamilton or by Robert Graves.
@@cleduc5059 yup! I usually suggest my students to check out these translations if they don't want to spend money on the books: www.poetryintranslation.com/?sort_by=item_language#Greek These translations are quite close to the original greek and you can find most of the things you mentioned here. I would also just add that the best translations of Homer I've found are by Barry Powell. They're completely annotated and have lots of helpful notes for those who haven't read Greek myth before. Also Virgil's Aeneid is the most important Latin epic poem. For more Greek myth I would also read the Homeric Hymns.
Great lesson, but there is a little mistake. The Hercules with Cacus statue is not republican! Medicis came back in 1530 (after being kicked out from the town) and they wanted to give an answer to David. Bandinelli's statue was commissioned by Alessandro de' Medici and it suposed to represent Medicis smashing the head of the Republicans with a club. Cosimo wanted another statue because nobody liked Bandinelli's creation, infact everbody were making fun of the artist calling it a "bag of patetos" or "bag of melones".
I have watched many of these Smarthistory commentaries and enjoyed them so much, but this one annoys me because Steven Zucher never allows Beth Harris to share her insights; he keeps dominating the script. She has much to say, and he should have given her fair time.
I worked in a bronze foundry for a while. Large metal sculptures are cast in separate smaller pieces, then welded together. Even back then they could weld metals crudely. Probably Cellini knew this but Medici didn't.... Cellini fooled him with this story.
There is a long tradition of joining cast parts in Italy, and the patron would have been well aware of this technique. Nevertheless, I think your general skepticism is likely well founded and always a valuable tool.
🤭💘🪷💘🤭 So good. @ Thank You. 💕 And Cracking autobiography by Benvenutto Cellini . One of my favourite books of all time. 💘 Much Better story than Salome and John the Babtist. 🌈 💝💝💝💞🎶🫠
Whilst a very informative video, unfortunately there is various mistaken information in the mythological aspect of this story. ~Medusa was not a sorceress. She had no particular magic powers before she was turned into a Gorgon, as were her two sisters before her. She did not seduce Zeus, but his older brother Poseidon, the sea-god. ~ It was not Hera, but Athena, Zeus' daughter, who turned Medusa from a beautiful woman into a horrific Gorgon. This because Medusa in human form was a priestess of Athena, by which rules dictated she was to remain a virgin like her patron goddess. Poseidon raped Medusa, in which process he also desecrated Athena's sacred temple. For this, Athena punished Medusa by giving her the Gorgon form for which she is most known today. ~ It was not Hermes, but Hades - by means of the Hesperides, who gives Perseus his winged helmet of invisibility, as this was Hades' personal possession. ~ Medusa did not turn to stone in her own reflection, as she was immune to her own powers. Only other living creatures could become petrified by her gaze. This being the reason why in all her depictions, even in Cellini's majestic statue, her head bleeds.
Nice analysis, useful information .. But .. there is a mistake in mythology .. First, it concerns to Greece only and not Romans. Second, Hera and Zeus are Not responsible of the Medusa's curse. Review the story and note the mistake to Your followers. Thank you.
Some say that the gorgons where born with their looks. Other say that that Medusa was raped by Poseidon in Athena's Temple. To punish her Athena transformer her servant in the monster.
Nah... Not the way I heard it. Zeus was tryna rape Medusa. Medusa ran to the temple for protection but nobody helped her and she was raped. Athena said she was mad at Medusa because she "defiled" the temple but really, Athena wasn't powerful enough to take revenge on her uncle Poseidon so she took her revenge on Medusa! One of the original victim blamers!
The sculpture is a masterpiece, but it has a very annoying fault that bothers me: the blade of Perseus' sword. Maybe there was a the problem with the casting, but no ancient Greek or Roman or even medieval Italian swords look like that. It is so bizzare unrealistic, out of place. Shame, really. A xiphos or kopis or even gladius would have been more suited, then that attempt of a sword. Maybe it was meant to be a falchion?
"dominant aesthetic of the time." NOT. Work and no gorging will give a man that sort of body. And these were times of no refrigerators and no supermarkets. So getting food was always dicey. That's what good living and good values will do for man. That doesn't even explore the excellence of art that you do explore. Nice discussion.
I saw this masterpiece of bronze sculptures as an 18-year-old art student and wondered how he managed to cast such a huge piece in that era... Now I know. Full marks for scholarship and presentation.
Love it - that casting anecdote is my favorite from his Autobiography - I will remember it as long as I live
It's been said that it is one of the best autobiography anyone has written . He was a fantastic figure
Thank you. My favorite sculpture hands down. Cellini was a master.
One of my favorite Sculptures....
I was just there and stood not 10 feet away from all of these statues, and I did not make the connection between Medusa and the 'stone' David and Hercules. Mind blowing.
What a grizzly sculpture! 🙊
I think Cellini's the first artist I've seen with his own sculpture, so that's noteworthy.
After hearing about his confidence, tenacity, and ingenuity, I can see why he was honored this way. It turned me to stone a little, I can't lie. lol.
Great story! Wish you had include the Cellini's face on the back of Perseus's head.
I love the expression on Perseus' face: triumphant, but humble and modest. Character elements that too many people lack.
Cellini is a true Genius! His work is awesome!!
If he was such a genius, why did he die?
@@martinpansecchi3331 dumbest reply ever
@@ALEJANDROARANDARICKERT Sorry, ... I am allergic to you, ¿"ano"?, broken, ☹️
* Your ☹️
How fascinating. I love this statue and I'm visiting it for the 4th time soon. I will have a hugely enhanced understanding of it thanks to this video.
This is so interesting! Amazing statue and great video
Fantastic! Thank you.
Autobiography of B Cellini # 1. Best book of all Time. 💝💝💝💝💝. 🤕. 💆. 🤕
I loved this so much I got it tattoo'd on my arm!
You have very good taste!
Very good . It would also be interesting to analyze the psychological aspects of such a work.
If I was a woman I think I would feel somewhat intimidated by this grouping.
The story is that Cellini pinched some of the tin Cosimo had paid for (expensive, but essential for the bronze to flow - tests show the casting is low on tin). Hence, the need to add pewter- basically tin - to get it to flow. A genius he was, but decidedly bent.
i noticed this video was made seven years ago. I visited this place a month ago. The statue looks exactly the same.
Thank you
I would like to know how was the Duke's reaction when Cellini successfully casted this beautiful, perfect sculpture. Also, do you know why Antonio Canova's Persus has apparently more recognition than this one? That's something I would want to understand. Thank you, really interesting video on perhaps my favorite sculpture all time.
Fascinating
There's a book based off of the story of casting this sculpture. Its titled "the spirit ring" by Lois McMaster Boujold. I found it extremely enjoyable!
Actually the myth is incorrect. Athena turned Medusa into a Gorgon as a punishment for violating her temple. Athena does help Perseus slay Medusa but Athena's the one who turned Medusa into a Gorgon.
Is that not Ovid? Think so
Beautiful lesson...make episodes about old Egypt art and sculptures...well be great
thank you, this was awesome
When you have to do the sculpture analysis and you finally find the video that shows the sculpture XD thanks guys
Oh yeah!!! This is some classical ultra violence!
what a cool period
Which author/text is the source you are citing? I don’t want to say this retelling is wrong but I’m unaware of this version of her as a sorceress, Hera was the one who punished her, among some other major details.
he also said she tried to seduce Zeus and his wife Hera cursed her for it. but i thought Poseidon raped her and due to Athenia being jealous of medusa's beauty she changed her to a monster out of spite?
Helpful when giving the location, to mention the city.
We do mention Florence, several times. Just below the video, within the video within the first minute and elsewhere as well. Sorry you missed it.
This is great! The one correction is that Medusa is raped by Poseidon in a temple to Athena, so Athena curses her. It's basically the one time that Zeus isn't responsible for a rape! great vid other than that!
@@cleduc5059 Are there any good books on greek mythology?
That Zeus. What a rascal.
@@VenexoGaming Stephen Fry's book just came out called Mythos which isn't terrible. The standard is still the books by Edith Hamilton or by Robert Graves.
@@cleduc5059 yup! I usually suggest my students to check out these translations if they don't want to spend money on the books: www.poetryintranslation.com/?sort_by=item_language#Greek
These translations are quite close to the original greek and you can find most of the things you mentioned here. I would also just add that the best translations of Homer I've found are by Barry Powell. They're completely annotated and have lots of helpful notes for those who haven't read Greek myth before. Also Virgil's Aeneid is the most important Latin epic poem. For more Greek myth I would also read the Homeric Hymns.
wow. i'm in awe.
Great lesson, but there is a little mistake.
The Hercules with Cacus statue is not republican! Medicis came back in 1530 (after being kicked out from the town) and they wanted to give an answer to David. Bandinelli's statue was commissioned by Alessandro de' Medici and it suposed to represent Medicis smashing the head of the Republicans with a club.
Cosimo wanted another statue because nobody liked Bandinelli's creation, infact everbody were making fun of the artist calling it a "bag of patetos" or "bag of melones".
Merci 😊
Athena cursed Medusa, not Hera. And Medusa didn't seduce Zeus. She was raped by Poseidon in Athena's Temple.
Ovid
great study tool
I have watched many of these Smarthistory commentaries and enjoyed them so much, but this one annoys me because Steven Zucher never allows Beth Harris to share her insights; he keeps dominating the script. She has much to say, and he should have given her fair time.
Dr. David Drogin is on this audio with Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker doesn't say a word.
What feelings does this sculpture inspire when looking at it?
Deserves to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
terminatordz What does?
@@uhohwhoops2953 dude, he is mentioning about the statue of Perseus
I don't like how he keeps talking over her.
Agree, I had the exact same thought.
Medusa seduced Poseidon and Athena turned Medusa in to a monster.
I worked in a bronze foundry for a while. Large metal sculptures are cast in separate smaller pieces, then welded together. Even back then they could weld metals crudely. Probably Cellini knew this but Medici didn't.... Cellini fooled him with this story.
There is a long tradition of joining cast parts in Italy, and the patron would have been well aware of this technique. Nevertheless, I think your general skepticism is likely well founded and always a valuable tool.
🤭💘🪷💘🤭
So good. @ Thank You. 💕
And Cracking autobiography by Benvenutto Cellini .
One of my favourite books of all time.
💘
Much Better story than Salome and John the Babtist. 🌈
💝💝💝💞🎶🫠
Whilst a very informative video, unfortunately there is various mistaken information in the mythological aspect of this story.
~Medusa was not a sorceress. She had no particular magic powers before she was turned into a Gorgon, as were her two sisters before her. She did not seduce Zeus, but his older brother Poseidon, the sea-god.
~ It was not Hera, but Athena, Zeus' daughter, who turned Medusa from a beautiful woman into a horrific Gorgon. This because Medusa in human form was a priestess of Athena, by which rules dictated she was to remain a virgin like her patron goddess. Poseidon raped Medusa, in which process he also desecrated Athena's sacred temple. For this, Athena punished Medusa by giving her the Gorgon form for which she is most known today.
~ It was not Hermes, but Hades - by means of the Hesperides, who gives Perseus his winged helmet of invisibility, as this was Hades' personal possession.
~ Medusa did not turn to stone in her own reflection, as she was immune to her own powers. Only other living creatures could become petrified by her gaze. This being the reason why in all her depictions, even in Cellini's majestic statue, her head bleeds.
Nice analysis, useful information .. But ..
there is a mistake in mythology .. First, it concerns to Greece only and not Romans.
Second, Hera and Zeus are Not responsible of the Medusa's curse.
Review the story and note the mistake to Your followers.
Thank you.
This sculpture reminds me of Donatello's David, only more masculine.
Some say that the gorgons where born with their looks. Other say that that Medusa was raped by Poseidon in Athena's Temple. To punish her Athena transformer her servant in the monster.
Fuck, I love art history...
Where is the other guy announcer ?
Cellini and Perseus were both MGTOW guys.
It looks like Michelangelo’s David, but bronze.
Well, it's right next to it
Better than Michelangelo
@@stel1000 it is different and better than Michaelangelo's David..........
C.1545
🤕. 💆. 🤕
Nah... Not the way I heard it. Zeus was tryna rape Medusa. Medusa ran to the temple for protection but nobody helped her and she was raped. Athena said she was mad at Medusa because she "defiled" the temple but really, Athena wasn't powerful enough to take revenge on her uncle Poseidon so she took her revenge on Medusa! One of the original victim blamers!
The sculpture is a masterpiece, but it has a very annoying fault that bothers me: the blade of Perseus' sword. Maybe there was a the problem with the casting, but no ancient Greek or Roman or even medieval Italian swords look like that. It is so bizzare unrealistic, out of place. Shame, really. A xiphos or kopis or even gladius would have been more suited, then that attempt of a sword. Maybe it was meant to be a falchion?
Ti sfugge l'unità stilistica tra la forma della spada e il ritmo formale dell' intera statua!
"dominant aesthetic of the time." NOT. Work and no gorging will give a man that sort of body. And these were times of no refrigerators and no supermarkets. So getting food was always dicey. That's what good living and good values will do for man. That doesn't even explore the excellence of art that you do explore. Nice discussion.