Sebastiano Ricci: Perseus Confronting Phineus with the Head of Medusa (1705-1710)

(Getty Center, Los Angeles, California, USA)

A nice dynamic painting this time. Subject of this painting is a scene from Greek mythology. According to the story, Perseus managed to kill the gorgon Medusa, a monster which turned anybody to stone who would gaze directly into her eyes. After Perseus killed Medusa he managed to save Andromeda from the sea monster Cetus. The wedding of the couple however Phineus was disturbed by a mob led by Phineus, a disappointed suitor. The mob attack Perseus who triumphed by showing the severed head of Medusa to his attackers, turning them to stone - shown here on the painting. Painting from 1705-1710.