On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Perseus Arming
Sir Alfred Gilbert British
Founder Fonderia Nelli Italian
TAKING FLIGHT
This statuette shows the transformational moment when the demigod Perseus attains his winged sandals, cap of invisibility, and lethal sword. Twisting to see the wing attached to his right ankle, he beholds his newfound power. Inspired by Italian Renaissance sculpture, Sir Alfred Gilbert created this bronze in Rome. Its debut in London spurred the revival of bronze casting in England. The combination of naturalism and ideal beauty imparts the hero’s status as both man and god.
