#10352 Simeon Solomon

The drawing presents a bust-like portrait of a female figure, rendered in charcoal with considerable tonal variation. The subjects head is tilted downwards, her gaze directed towards the viewer but seemingly unfocused or lost in thought. A wreath of leaves encircles her hair, which falls loosely around her shoulders and face.
The artist employed a delicate hatching technique to create shading and volume, particularly evident in the depiction of the neck and collarbone. The facial features are rendered with a degree of simplification; the eyes appear large and somewhat vacant, while the mouth is subtly downturned, suggesting melancholy or resignation. A prominent vein is visible on her neck, adding a touch of vulnerability and realism to the portrayal.
The background appears uniform, devoid of detail, which serves to isolate the figure and direct attention solely towards her expression and posture. The inscription at the bottom, Medusa Erotica, provides a crucial contextual element. It suggests that the subject is not merely a portrait but an exploration of a mythological figure – Medusa – reinterpreted through a lens of eroticism or sensuality.
The drawing’s subtexts are complex and layered. The wreath could symbolize either triumph or mourning, depending on interpretation. The combination of Medusas iconic imagery with the descriptor Erotica introduces an element of transgression and challenges conventional notions of beauty and monstrosity. It hints at a desire to uncover the human aspects of a figure often relegated to the realm of mythic horror – to find tenderness or allure within what is typically perceived as terrifying. The overall effect is one of quiet introspection, inviting contemplation on themes of identity, perception, and the power of myth.