Cellini defies his father to learn the goldsmith's art, then sets forth on a career of goldwork, sculpture, and war. He fights frequent duels with those who thwart or insult him, winning them all. He is repeatedly jailed by those jealous of his success or angered by his independence, but is always freed on account of his manifest talents. Popes, kings, and dukes compete for his services, and his work, including the bronze Perseus in Florence, is always acclaimed as the most superb. Cellini excels in all that he does, though he is never rewarded as he considers adequate.