HISTORY. Art History-Medieval/Renaissance Art. Social Sciences Essay (Essay Sample)

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Art History-Medieval/Renaissance Art
Object 2: Giorgio Vasari, Perseus and Andromeda.
Absolute Date: 1570-1572
Relative Date: Late Renaissance
Scale: 113.9 x 86.4 cm
Material: Oil on slate
Current Location: Palazzo Vecchio (Palazzo della Signoria), Florence, Italy
Perseus and Andromeda is an oil slate painting by Giorgio Vasari that depicts a story of the rescue that ends in love. I selected the item because it illustrates the centrality of love that depicts the lifestyles, beliefs, and culture of the people during the late Renaissance. Giorgio Vasari utilizes the work of art to shape how people viewed the world and the perception of the artists. Notably, the painting shows Perseus rescuing Andromeda. Hoakley explains that the image illustrates a love story between the two characters. However, it is also evident from the analysis that people believed in superstitions and creatures that would torment them. For instance, the chaining of Andromeda stems from the King’s belief that Cetus, the monster, would ravage his people (Hoakley n .p.). The Oracle maintains that the only way to save the people is by offering Andromeda to Cetus. The suggestion leads to the chaining of Andromeda to be devoured by the monster. However, Perseus rescues the beautiful woman and finally wins her hand in marriage (Hoakley n .p.).