Perseus and Andromeda (Leighton) daughters of Poseidon, the god of the sea. When the nymphs became aware of her claims, they protested to their father, who retaliated by calling up a sea monster called Cetus to patrol and wreak havoc along the coastline of Ethiopia placing Cassiope's kingdom at risk. In response the Queen, together with her husband Cepheus, decided to sacrifice her daughter, Princess Andromeda, to the monster. Andromeda was chained to a rock at the edge of the sea as an offering to the monster. Perseus was travelling back home on his winged horse, Pegasus, after battling with Medusa. He rescued Andromeda
Perseus with the Head of Medusa the pedestal as "Perseus" in the pedestal acts as an allegory to Duke Francesco Medici. The politics of the Medici and Florence dominate the Piazza della Signoria, specifically referencing the first three Florentine dukes. Duke Alessandro I was the first Florentine duke and "Hercules and Cacus" was revealed during his time and met with terrible reception by the public in 1534. The next sculpture to be revealed was Cellini’s "Perseus" and Cosimo I was very cautious about the public’s reaction to the piece. Thankfully, the public received the sculpture well as Cosimo watched the reception from a window in the