“Perseus on Pegasus Hastening to the Rescue of Andromeda,” an oil on canvas artwork by Frederic Leighton, exemplifies the Academicism movement and is part of the mythological painting genre. This artwork is housed at the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery in Leicester, UK.
The artwork illustrates the mythological scene of Perseus riding the winged horse Pegasus to rescue Andromeda. Leighton portrays Perseus with dynamic movement and determination, soaring through the sky on Pegasus, who is depicted in mid-gallop, giving a sense of urgency and heroism. The background features a dramatic sky and distant mountains, enhancing the mythical and epic nature of the scene. The artwork’s colors and composition underscore the narrative’s drama and emotional intensity, highlighting Leighton’s mastery in capturing mythological themes with academic precision.