Street Art: Florence #4

Below is more "street art".  The bronze sculpture depicts the triumph of Perseus over Medusa. 

Perseus with the Head of Medusa, by Benvenuto Cellini (1545)

The sculpture is based on the Greek myth of Perseus beheading Medusa.  Medusa was ugly, had snakes for hair, and had eyes that turned anyone who looked at her to stone.  To overcome a seemingly invincible foe, Perseus relied on his strength, courage and cunning to fight and defeat Medusa.

The Perseus sculpture is located in a loggia (or outdoor porch) in the Piazza della Signoria, one of the main squares in Florence.  The Piazza della Signoria is the location where important political events have occurred in the past, including executions of political prisoners.  The seat of government, the Palazzo Vecchio, is located there.   

So, the placement of the Perseus sculpture is no mistake.  Duke Cosimo I de' Medici commissioned the work.  He wanted the artwork placed in a very public place to deliver a strong message to Florentines and visitors alike.  The sculpture has a sort of "Don't mess with Texas" message.  Depending on whom you ask, the sculpture means either:

• don't mess with the Medici family or you will be ruined along with your family; or
• don't mess with Florence or you and your city will be crushed. 

Either way, the message is strongly with delivered "street art". 

By the way, the Medici family governed Tuscany for almost two centuries following erection of the statue.