The artwork entitled “Head Of Medusa” was created by the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens circa 1617 to 1618. It is an oil painting on canvas that measures approximately 69 by 118 centimeters. This mythological painting, synonymous with the Baroque movement, can be found at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. It exemplifies the dramatic style and complex symbolism that defined Rubens’ work and the Baroque era.
The artwork vividly depicts the severed head of Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology known for her hair of living, venomous snakes and the ability to turn onlookers into stone with her gaze. Rubens’ rendition of Medusa’s head is rich in painterly detail and realism. The serpents that form Medusa’s hair seem to writhe with life, their scales rendered with meticulous attention to texture and color. The expression on Medusa’s face is one of horror and agony, capturing the moment of her defeat. The background remains dark and subdued, allowing the viewer to focus on the drama and intensity of Medusa’s final moments. Additionally, the inclusion of small creatures such as a salamander and various insects adds to the earthiness and grotesqueness of the scene. Rubens’ mastery of chiaroscuro enhances the three-dimensionality of the head and snakes, contributing to the overall emotive power of this Baroque masterpiece.
