Perseus with the head of Medusa Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

The composition presents a dramatic narrative scene rendered in a warm, earthy palette dominated by ochre and terracotta tones. A central figure, muscular and clad in armor, stands triumphantly over a fallen woman. He holds aloft the severed head of another female figure, whose wild hair streams out as if caught in a sudden gust. The slain woman lies prone, her body draped in flowing fabric that suggests both vulnerability and classical grace.
To the left of the central figure, a winged horse rears up, its posture conveying power and dynamism. A smaller, nude male figure is held aloft by the victorious hero; this individual appears youthful and idealized, suggesting innocence or potential. The ground beneath them is uneven and rocky, adding to the sense of instability and struggle.
The artist’s use of light emphasizes the central figures, highlighting their musculature and emotional intensity. The womans face, though partially obscured, conveys a mixture of pain and resignation. The victorious hero’s expression is one of grim determination, suggesting the weight of his deed. The severed head held aloft displays an unsettling stillness, its eyes seemingly fixed on some distant point.
Subtleties within the work hint at deeper meanings. The presence of the winged horse likely symbolizes freedom or divine intervention. The smaller male figure could represent a nascent hero, inspired by the actions of the central protagonist. The fallen woman’s pose and attire evoke classical depictions of tragedy and loss. The overall effect is one of heroic triumph tinged with melancholy, exploring themes of violence, fate, and the consequences of action. The monochromatic color scheme contributes to a sense of timelessness and universality, elevating the narrative beyond a specific historical context.