https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103RHP:
In Greek mythology, the hero Perseus was famous for killing Medusa, the snake-haired Gorgon whose grotesque appearance turned men to stone. This painting, however, shows a later episode from the hero’s life. At Perseus’s and Andromeda’s wedding, their nuptials were interrupted by a mob led by Phineus, a disappointed suitor. After a fierce battle, Perseus finally triumphed by brandishing the head of Medusa and turning his opponents into stone.
Sebastiano Ricci depicted the fight as a forceful, vigorous battle. In the center, Perseus lunges forward, his muscles taut as he shoves the head of Medusa at Phineus and his men. One man holds up a shield, trying to reflect the horrendous image and almost losing his balance. Behind him, soldiers already turned to stone are frozen in mid-attack. All around, other men have fallen and are dead or dying. Ricci used strong diagonals and active poses to suggest energetic movement.
Does Perseus keep Medusa’s head with him at all times? Like, why did he have it ready to use the day of his wedding?
I was thinking “who wears a sheet and helmet to their wedding”
The Greek.
Not the kind of thing you want to lose track of, lest it be used against you
Seems handy to have around.
That’s an incredibly powerful relic. Wouldn’t you want it handy at all times? It’s basically a mythic weapon.
Well, it was the maid of honor, so.
Would YOU let go of the head of Medusa? I’d make that bitch into a hat if I could.
This is epic
Check out the dude still in the process of turning to stone!
