Medusa by Peter Paul Rubens (Interpretation and Analysis)

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Medusa
Source: Wikimedia Commons

There are few artists of the Baroque movement more famous than Dutch painter Peter Paul Rubens. The Baroque period was truly an extraordinary time for painting. Although style varied widely between artists, the art of the Baroque period—which is characterized by drama, energy, motion, and heightened emotion—holds a special attraction, appealing to the human psyche on a deep level. In particular, Rubens is known for his paintings of women, which are characterized by full-figured, semi-nude ladies with skin so pale that it’s bluish. 

I’m typically not a fan of Rubens paintings, but I have to give him a nod for his rendition of the Greek mythological monster Medusa. His Medusa is terrifying, gory, and perfect for spooky season.

The piece depicts the severed head of Medusa, one of Greek mythology’s darkest and most horrifying characters. According to legend, Medusa was one of the three Gorgons, monstrous sisters with snakes instead of hair. Medusa herself was so horrible to look upon that any man who gazed upon her would turn into stone. According to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Medusa was once a beautiful woman until Poseidon violated her in the temple of Athena, causing Athena to turn her into a monster as punishment. Medusa’s end came when she was beheaded by the Greek hero Perseus, and it is here that Rubens picks up the story.

Rubens paints the Gorgon in the seconds after she is slain by Perseus (later, the hero would dispose of her head more carefully to prevent it from turning anyone else into stone). Blood still oozes from the stump of her neck as her skin turns grey in death. Her expression is one of shock and horror, revealing that the monster’s death caught her by surprise.

A blood-curdling swarm of snakes swarms around the head. (I’m actually really uncomfortable with snakes, so it’s hard for me to look at that part of the paintings). The animals are horrifyingly life-like. Some attempt to squirm away from Medusa, while others attack each other, fighting to the grisly end.

The drama of this piece is unparalleled, a true tribute to Baroque art. However, it is the horror and gore featured in Medusa that makes it the perfect addition to my art lineup for October.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.

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