#Cavaliere D'Arpino

[illustratus]

Perseus Rescuing Andromeda (detail) by Giuseppe Cesari

[eucanthos]

Giuseppe Cesari (IT, 1568 - 1640)

also called Cavaliere D'Arpino

Perseus Rescuing Andromeda, 1593–94. Oil on lapis lazuli 20.2 × 15.6 × 0.7 cm. St Louis Art Museum

Ἀνδρομέδα, Androméda, is the daughter of Cepheus, king of Ethiopia, and his wife, Cassiopeia. When Cassiopeia commits Hybris and boasts that she (or Andromeda) is more beautiful than the Nereids, Poseidon sends the sea monster Cetus as punishment. Chaining Andromeda to a rock as sacrifice is what will appease Poseidon (said the oracle). Perseus returning from his quest to decapitate Medusa, petrified Cetus and brought the princess back to Greece as his queen... [therefore interracial mix]

The mythographer Apollodorus states that Perseus and Andromeda have six sons: Perses, Alcaeus, Heleus, Mestor, Sthenelus, Electryon, and a daughter, Gorgophone. Their descendants rule Mycenae from Electryon down to Eurystheus, after whom Atreus attains the kingdom. The Greek hero Heracles is also a descendant, as his mother Alcmene is the daughter of Electryon.

Poseidon punished Cassiopeia placing her as a constellation (that resembles a chair) chained (in reference of Andromeda's ordeal).

Andromeda's myth has been popular since classical antiquity and is considered the forerunner to the "princess and dragon" motif. From the Renaissance, interest revived in the original story, typically as derived from Ovid's Metamorphoses.

https://www.slam.org/collection/objects/38709/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aethiopia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromeda_(mythology)

[hildegardavon]

Cavaliere d'Arpino (Giuseppe Cesari), 1568-1640

Abduction of Europa, ca.1603/06, oil on panel, 57x45 cm

Galleria Borghese, Rome Inv. 378

[instantbelieverwhispers2]

GIUSEPPE CESARI, CALLED IL CAVALIERE D'ARPINO (ARPINO 1568-1640 ROME)

An angel in flight

[antonio-m]

"Archangel Michael and the Rebel Angels", by Cavaliere d'Arpino (Giuseppe Cesari) c. 1592–93. oil on canvas

[naguirr2]

Virtual Sketchbook #3

What is it made of? The painting “Perseus and Andromeda” by Giuseppe Cesari is an oil on canvas artwork.  

How big is it? The dimensions of the artwork are 70.5 x 54.9 cm (27 3/4 x 21 5/8 inches).  

What colors and shapes are used? "Perseus and Andromeda" by Giuseppe Cesari features a rich and dramatic use of colors and shapes. The painting uses deep, vibrant colors like rich blues, intense reds, and earthy browns to create a dramatic and emotional scene. The shapes in the artwork are fluid, with the curving forms of Andromeda's body and the powerful, angular lines of Perseus' figure. The background includes swirling clouds and solid shapes of the rocky landscape, adding to the scene's sense of movement and tension. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensional quality of the figures. 

What subjects (if any) are represented? The subject represented in "Perseus and Andromeda" the painting celebrates the themes of love and heroism and shows the Greek mythological story of the Ethiopian princess Andromeda. Imprisoned by chains, she is rescued by Zeus's son, Perseus, who holds Medusa's head.  

How was the work designed? Giuseppe Cesari, also known as Cavaliere d'Arpino, designed his paintings of Perseus and Andromeda by taking advantage of the unique properties of the materials. He used Lapis lazuli, the rich blue of lapis lazuli, to represent the sky and water in his painting. In his painting, Cesari used the natural green-gray tones of limestone to create the rough rocks behind Andromeda. Cesari also used the varied striations of marble to create a framing rock for the scene in his small painting on marble.  

Is it balanced? Yes, the painting is balanced. The composition achieves a sense of balance primarily through asymmetrical balance. Perseus and Andromeda are positioned on opposite sides of the painting. Their visual weights are balanced by the poses and the surrounding elements, such as the sea monster and the rocky landscape. This creates a harmonious and engaging scene that draws the viewer's eye across the entire artwork. 

What is emphasized? Rhythm? Proportion? In Giuseppe Cesari's "Perseus and Andromeda," several elements are emphasized, including rhythm and proportion. The focal point of the painting is the dramatic interaction between Perseus and Andromeda, with strong contrasts in color and light drawing attention to these central figures. The painting has a dynamic rhythm created by the flowing lines and movement. The curves of Andromeda's body, Perseus's sweeping motion, and the sea monster's swirling forms a sense of movement and energy. The proportions in the painting are carefully considered to improve the scene's drama.  

Contrast? Does it have unity and variety? Giuseppe Cesari's "Perseus and Andromeda" features strong contrasts, unity, and variety. The painting uses contrasts in color, light, and texture, with the bright figures of Perseus and Andromeda standing against the darker, more peaceful background and the sea monster. The painting achieves unity through a cohesive color palette and harmonious arrangement of elements, with similar tones and hues tying the scene together to create a sense of completeness. Additionally, there is a significant amount of variety in the painting, from the different poses and expressions of the characters to the mixed textures of the rocks, water, and the monster. 

How does the work make you feel? How or why does it evoke these feelings? This painting makes me feel uncomfortable. Perseus holding Medusa's head is pretty creepy and disturbing. Andromeda's nakedness adds a layer of vulnerability that feels uncomfortable. Plus, the sea monster's dog-like body adds to the strangeness and unnatural, making the whole scene feel eerie. 

What movement is the artwork associated with? The artwork "Perseus and Andromeda" by Giuseppe Cesari, also known as Cavaliere d'Arpino, is associated with the Late Renaissance and early Baroque art movement; specifically, his work falls under the Mannerist style within that period.  

Who commissioned it? There is no knowledge of who commissioned this specific painting, but many patrons, including Pope Clement VIII, commissioned Giuseppe Cesari. Cesari was the Pope's principal painter in Rome and was given the title of Cavaliere di Cristo for his work decorating the Lateran Basilica. Cardinal Scipione Borghese. In 1607, Cardinal Borghese had Cesari arrested and confiscated his collection of over 100 paintings, which is now in the Galleria Borghese in Rome. Giacomo Boncompagni. Boncompagni commissioned Cesari to decorate the main hall of Villa Sora in the early 17th century. Cesari painted smaller works for private patrons in Rome and abroad on copper, slate, or panel.   

What does the artwork say about the artist that made it? The artwork "Perseus and Andromeda" by Giuseppe Cesari showcases his skill in capturing dramatic scenes and using vibrant colors and elaborate details. It reflects his ability to convey emotion and movement, which were highly valued during the Baroque period. Cesari's work often highlights his talent for combining classical themes with a dynamic and expressive style, demonstrating his significant contribution to the art of his time.  

Can you tell what the artist was trying to say? Giuseppe Cesari was trying to explore deeper themes like the triumph of good over evil, the power of love and courage, and the idea of destiny. By capturing the intense emotion and drama of the moment, he highlighted the human qualities that define us, such as bravery, sacrifice, and the desire to protect and save others. The painting also reflects the Baroque period's fascination with passionate compositions and the interplay of light and shadow to evoke strong emotional reactions.  

How clearly does the artist get their message across? Giuseppe Cesari gets his message across quite clearly through his use of dramatic design, vivid colors, and expressive figures. The intense emotions on the characters' faces and the movement in the scene help bring the themes of heroism and rescue effectively. The visual impact of the painting draws the viewer in and communicates the story and its messages powerfully. 

Why did YOU pick it? 

I chose this painting because the colors and lighting are captivating; it also has an intriguing, unconventional appearance. The attention to detail in representing Perseus, Andromeda, and the sea monster is incredible. Giuseppe Cesari, also known as Cavaliere d'Arpino, was a prominent Baroque painter, and his ability to convey such powerful narratives and emotions is truly impressive. His work was highly regarded during his time, and he even trained famous artists like Caravaggio. Cesari's work is important to society and the world because his contribution to the Baroque movement highlighted emotional depth, realism, and dramatic contrasts. His paintings reflect the cultural and artistic values of his time and influenced future generations of artists. By capturing mythological and religious themes with such intensity, Cesari's art helped to communicate complicated stories and moral lessons to a broader audience, making significant cultural and educational impacts. 

[mysterious-secret-garden]

Giuseppe Cesari, gen. Cavaliere d'Arpino - Perseus frees Andromeda.

[lionofchaeronea]

Archangel Michael and the Rebel Angels, Giuseppe Cesari (Cavaliere d’Arpino), 1592-93

[clairity-org]

Giuseppe Cesari, Cavaliere d'Arpino, Man with a Spade, ca. 1638, Red, pink and white chalks over black chalk on paper, 11/24/21 #legionofhonor #artmuseum by Sharon Mollerus

[ars-videndi]

Giuseppe Cesari / Cavaliere d'Arpino (1568 –1640), Faun with garland, 17th century, Prado

[maertyrer]

Giuseppe Cesari, called Cavaliere d'Arpino Martyrdom of St. Margaret

c. 1608-11

[eucanthos]

Giuseppe Cesari (IT, 1568 - 1640)

also called Cavaliere D'Arpino

Perseus and Andromeda, ca. 1592. Oil on slate

Cesari has produced several similar versions

https://www.slam.org/collection/objects/38709/

Perseus and Andromeda by Giuseppe Cesari

[history-of-fashion]

1591 Giuseppe Cesari (Cavaliere d'Arpino) - Portrait of an architect 

(Musée de Grenoble)

[hildegardavon]

After Giuseppe Cesari, know as il Cavaliere d'Arpino, ca.1568-1640

The rape of Europa, n/d, oil on canvas, 64x49.5 cm

Private Collection

[mythologer]

Giuseppe Cesari called Cavaliere d'Arpino (Italian; 1568 - 1640) ”Perseus and Andromeda”, c. 1602, Oil on slate, 51.8 x 38.2 cm, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria.

[persephoneshellhounds]

Such a classic mortal blunder to lay my spine as it erodes, graceless, inelegant on Galatea’s cold, ivory arms; such delicate carvings can never be human, look human, feel human under my lonesome bones.

I long to see you flinch and break into fine, liquid, rain of dust blinding me, covering the walls of this room in a blameless shade of white: a new asylum ward for my kind of insanity, you say.

It envelopes like light around my awe and my forlorn limbs, tangled with Galatea’s unmoving ones. I look for comfort within brittle carcasses scraped of everything they could ever give.

The quiet persists eerily.

But here, Pygmalion’s gifts remain untainted: the apex of auger shells, the beak of a songbird the blunted ceriths, the rusty chisels all impaling my spinal bones. Yet the sculptor’s kisses, long erased, the careful carvings, long defaced, long reduced into a Grecian ruin. I bury my body on your arms yet they find no rest against the ghostly pleas of mammalian tusks.

How many for your fingers? How many for your hair?

Tell me, Galatea, were you carved to bear the weight of all the sea salt I swallowed as I drowned? Soften under my meandering thoughts; I long to see you flinch and break — like all the dead elephants — any reminder that you yield pliantly to the voice of the love goddess, that you were once turned human. Break now, your solid arms, under my own collapse over the sea foam caught on fire.

I am no longer bending and weeping to pick myself up. Here it all goes down and ends: my bones, and yours, burning, snapping. Nothing — nothing less glorious will last after us.

— Fray Narte, "Galatea" | written October 18, 2022, 1:35 pm

Art: Cesari Giuseppi (Cavaliere D'Arpino), The Triumph Of Galatea, 1760 | Manipulated using Picsart