Medusa

"Medusa" by Alice Pike Barney depicts the mythological Gorgon in a moment of terror and anguish. Her wild hair, transformed into writhing snakes, reflects the chaos and power of her curse. With her pale face and wide, despairing eyes, she conveys both fear and an otherworldly presence. The swirling blues and greens surrounding her enhance the eerie, supernatural atmosphere.

Alice Pike Barney, an American Symbolist artist, was known for her evocative and dramatic portrayals of emotions and mythological themes. In this piece, she combines expressive color and movement to capture the tragic complexity of Medusa, a figure both feared and pitied.