Story of Perseus and Andromeda

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Story of Perseus and Andromeda as tapestry (Netherlands, early 16th century · early 1500s).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

The Greek mythological story of Perseus and Andromeda is represented here as a quest for a maiden, read from right to left in three sections. At the upper right, Andromeda has been chained to a rock by her parents, at the lower right, as a sacrifice to a dragon sent by Poseidon, god of the sea.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this tapestry as tapestry weave: wool and silk.

The museum's collection notes: The Greek mythological story of Perseus and Andromeda is represented here as a quest for a maiden, read from right to left in three sections. At the upper right, Andromeda has been chained to a rock by her parents, at the lower right, as a sacrifice to a dragon sent by Poseidon, god of the sea. In the center on a millefleur (floral) ground, Perseus on horseback kills the dreaded dragon. Within the castle at the left, Perseus kneels before an altar, and at the far left, he marries Andromeda.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtStory of Perseus and Andromeda

Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.