Conquer

(Metropolitan Art Museum) Perseus, in Greek mythology, was the greatest slayer of monsters before Heracles. Captured in marble by the sculptor Antonio Canova, it represents the ‘mannerism’ style of Italian art which bloomed after the Renaissance. Perseus with Head of Medusa is also famous in bronze busts and paintings. Medusa was an evil woman whose hair had been turned to snakes; and anyone who looked at her was turned to stone. This work is influenced by other great Italian artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and early Michelangelo. Mannerism exaggerates qualities of proportion, balance and ideal beauty. The compositions are notable for highly intellectual sophistication and style.