In Greek mythology, Perseus is the son of the Greek god Zeus and Argive princess Danae. Medusa, in Greek mythology, is one of the three monstrous Gorgons. Canova depicts Perseus in a Triumphant pose, as he proudly shows off Medusa’s head that he cut from her body. Canova was inspired by Apollo Belvedere, a famous statue from antiquity, and he used that as a reference to sculpt Perseus.  

            In this sculpture, Perseus wears Hermes’s sandals, and on his left arm is a cap that belongs to Hades. In his right hand, Perseus holds a harpe sword that belongs to Zeus. These objects were used to help Perseus defeat Medusa.