‘Medusa’ : Finalist in Royal Queensland Art Society: Members Annual Exhibition 2023
Medusa
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Oil on Canvas . Original Artwork . 62cm x 77cm . 24” x 30”
This painting evolved over time from the serene portrait (last two pictures), to the terrified countenance (first two pictures). My first intention was to paint Medusa in human semblance, but I later found it lacking in many ways so added snakes and a more terrified expression to her face.
Medusa is often depicted in legend as a monstrous character. Yet before her transformation, she was said to have been a beautiful maiden, whose fate was cruelly and unjustly sealed after Poseidon lay with her in the temple of Athena. Condemned by Athena to bear a visage so terrifying that none could look upon her without fear, Medusa was transformed into the very image of horror - her beautiful hair replaced by writhing serpents, her gaze to transform the beholder to stone. Diverging from the sombre and terrifying, this painting makes a playful reference to the familiar board game, with ladders connecting snakes.
