Medusa Inverted

In the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey there is a pillar with Medusa's head at the base in the water. The Cistern is an amazing place to visit, and I've always loved mythology and dark stories. As I get older (maybe wiser) the story of Medusa saddens me. There are many versions of the story, but the consistent images are she had snakes for hair and was beheaded by Perseus. However, in each version I've read she is always hunted. She does not go around staring at people and turning them to stone. I see her being hunted and then humiliated.

One of the most famous versions, she's a virgin priestess of Athena. Poseidon takes a fancy to her, she refuses him, he rapes her at Athena's temple. Athena gets mad... at Medusa for defiling her temple and punishes her by turning her hair into snakes and anyone who dares look at her again will turn to stone. 

Was this story created to make women more compliant? Most likely. And today, we seem to love her as the evil witch she's made out to be, portrayed by famous actresses. What if we remembered the story before she was hunted as a monster? Would we question the morality or cheer for her to be destroyed?

Part of the Don't Gt Stuck In Your Head series

Size: Original painting: 12" x 24"

Details: Painted using raw pigment oil on canvas.

Shipping: Shipping is free within the continental US. Each painting and limited edition print is shipped out of my studio in Minneapolis, MN, USA. You can expect pieces to ship within 5-10 business days of the purchase date. 

International customers are responsible for import fees due upon delivery.⁣

Prints available here