Sculptured beauty, ugly message

The sculpture, Perseus and Medusa, by Benvenuto Ceillini is a depiction of the slaying of Medusa (269). The skill behind the sculpture and attention to detail makes the viewer want to take a closer look, but when they do, they make get more than expected. At first glance, the sculpture looks like a portrayal of a warrior that has some sort of victory in a battle. When looking closer, the viewer will realize that the warrior is standing upon the body of a female while holding her head in his left hand. The title tells the onlooker that this is a gruesome scene of Perseus defeating Medusa and victoriously holding her head out to show his prowess.