MEDUSA

Eirikr Haf Ulfrsson, Medusa: The Famous Gorgon of Greek Mythology, 2022, ulfsvettcraftsman.com, digital image download.

Julia Lopez

In the textbook Classical Mythology the text describes Medusa, who is one out of three Gorgon sisters,  as “they leer out most disconcertingly with a broad archaic smile, tongue protruding in the midst of a row of bristling teeth”. This is a classical description of Medusa to demonstrate the nature and demeanor of the Gorgons. Medusa has been a monstrous symbol in Greek mythology. What is intriguing about Eirikr Haf Ulfrsson’s piece is that it gives visual to another side of Medusa’s demeanor that is still monstrous but not in the typical or literal way the text describes her as. Instead, this art piece shows the “disconcert” through an intense, seductive stare with only a slight smirk. Medusa’s story encompasses her vengeful nature against man and desire to repel evil with evil through her snake companions. I feel this art piece shows Medusa in an enchanting light that allures people in with her beauty, which is not the typical depiction of Medusa. Medusa was loved by Poseidon for her beauty. This art interpretation shows another facet of Medusa to include her beauty and alluring nature, through the point of view, color choices, and art style. The intense stare and sultry colored lips help accomplish this identity he is portraying. The intense look and visually appealing colors would allure one to stare at her, accomplishing this heroine’s goal of turning anyone that looks at her into stone. Even the placement and composure of the snakes is inviting. Most depictions of the snakes that accompany Medusa are awry, untamed, and plain insidious. These snakes, however, are placed tightly near her head and intertwined looking to be more hair-like making her more attractive, and still stirring curiosity to gaze and look further.

 This point of view the artist chooses, with her staring face-on, I think is intentional to portray the intense desire of Medusa’s heart to turn those into stone. When I look at this piece I see her stare as one of conviction. She believes to see herself as one to carry out justice for herself, which is what motivates her desire to turn those into stone who stare at her, feeling justified.

I believe the artist behind this piece is intentional in showcasing a different perspective of Medusa that includes her sultry, determined, self-justice side. I think the colors demonstrate a calm tone that is dark, where it makes you want to look closer to catch all the details forcing you to stare longer - which is what Medusa would try to do. I believe this artist captured the nature and essence of Medusa’s heart and desire through a non traditional depiction, yet an accurate one.

Ethan Thomas

      In Eirikr Haf Ulfrsson’s Medusa The Famous Gorgon of Greek Mythology, is Greek heroine Medusa, accompanied by her serpent companions, residing in her garden abode. The interinging aspect of this piece is that the color and art style we see in Ulfrsson’s work depicts Medusa in a beautiful and serene light not seen in the Gorgon art piece of mythology. It seems as though Ulfrsson’s piece is portraying a new perspective of Medusa in a less vengeful and violent light seen in historical mythological artwork. This piece appears to focus more on the alluring and enchanting depiction of Medusa.

      The depictions of Medusa typically seen in mythology books and courses show her in a mid-forties age, fang teeth resembling snake fangs, and a more furious look upon the heroine's face. Ulfrsson pushes away from the more commonly seen monster style art depictions of Medusa, to show this Gorgon heroine displaying the beauty that can turn any creature into solid stone. Medusa may be a creature to fear in Greek mythology, due to the Gorgons powers, but she is still a beautiful heroine. She may not be a heroine of a story in the eyes of mankind, however I believe this piece tells us she is the heroine of her own story when looking into her eyes. She appears strong, powerful, and somewhat seductive in her pose as she stares down the viewer, seeming to portray a sense of curiosity and understanding from Medusa. She no longer embodies the fear to look upon the unknown, but rather a beautiful creature you have trouble taking your eyes off.

      In my opinion I believe this piece is meant to view Medusa as a pleasant and more peaceful end to an adventure or explores life, compared to the more gruesome, violent, and dreary deaths that can occur by the powers of fellow Greek mythological entities.  If I were to be sent on a quest in Greek Mythology where I had to meet my end by my opponent, I would prefer to turn to stone while looking at the beautiful heroine depicted in Ulfrsson’s piece than a god's wrath. The snakes which are meant to represent her power appear calm and peaceful in the work rather than dangerous. The Garden surrounding Medusa adds a serenity to the piece adding to the attraction the work would have on individuals seeking to view the beauty without turning to stone. This piece would not function successfully as a deterrent for men in my opinion, which would result in more Gorgon victims. If this were to truly occur I believe it would solidify this piece's success in depicting Medusa, a formidable Gorgon, as a cool hearted beauty that can stop your heart with a glance.  

Works Cited

canvas.uw.edu/courses/1643084/pages/lesson-3-video-lectures?module_item_id=18539202. Accessed 31 July 2023.

canvas.uw.edu/courses/1643084/pages/lesson-8-video-lectures?module_item_id=18539236. Accessed 31 July 2023.

O., Morford Mark P, et al. “Chapter 7.” Classical Mythology, Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 2024, pp. 150–155.