Master Apollon House Gallery

Documentary Brief: Medusa by Caravaggio

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Introduction

Caravaggio’s Medusa is one of his most striking and complex works, showcasing his dramatic realism and fascination with violence. The painting exists in two versions, each with its own unique characteristics, both contributing to our understanding of Caravaggio’s artistic vision.

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Main Themes

Realism

Caravaggio’s painting of Medusa breaks away from the idealized representation of figures common in the Renaissance. He focuses on a raw and brutal portrayal of reality. The decapitated head of Medusa remains strikingly lifelike, with bulging eyes, furrowed brows, and blood pouring from the neck, capturing the final moments of life. Despite being severed from the body, the head still seems conscious, evoking a sense of horror and realism that was radical for its time.
“Though the head is decapitated, it still appears conscious, with the painting capturing its final moments before death.”

Self-Portrait

Caravaggio subtly incorporates himself into the painting by using his own face for Medusa. This choice can be interpreted as a personal and bold gesture, placing Caravaggio in a dramatic confrontation with the mythological Gorgon’s lethal gaze. His inclusion may reflect his own fascination with violence and his need to assert control over it through his art.

Fascination with Violence

Violence and decapitation were recurring themes in Caravaggio’s work, seen in pieces like Judith Beheading Holofernes, David with the Head of Goliath, and The Beheading of St John the Baptist. Through these paintings, Caravaggio depicted moments of intense violence, but also explored the emotional and psychological dimensions of these acts.
“Caravaggio depicted the act of decapitation in several of his other paintings, including Judith Beheading Holofernes, David with the Head of Goliath, and The Beheading of St John the Baptist.”

Influence of Leonardo da Vinci

The choice to mount the painting on a convex shield draws a direct comparison to a well-known anecdote involving Leonardo da Vinci. Caravaggio’s Medusa, with its serpentine hair, could be seen as a modern reimagining of the “hybrid monster” that da Vinci supposedly painted on a shield. This connection to Leonardo underlines Caravaggio’s respect for the Renaissance masters, even as he broke new ground in his own approach to realism and emotional intensity.
“Caravaggio chose to mount the canvas on a convex wooden shield because it would draw comparisons to the much-celebrated work of Leonardo da Vinci.”

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Important Information

Two Versions

There are two known versions of Medusa. The first, Murtula, painted in 1596, is smaller (48 x 55 cm) and is in a private collection. The second version, titled simply Medusa, was completed in 1597, is larger (60 x 55 cm), and is housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Both versions show Caravaggio’s mastery of dramatic lighting and psychological depth, though they differ in some of the finer details of composition and expression.

Context of Creation

The two versions of Medusa were created during a tumultuous period in Caravaggio’s life, a time marked by brushes with the law and a volatile lifestyle. His reputation for erratic behavior and frequent altercations colored his personal and professional life.
“At the time, there was an unsolved case in which two items were reported as being missing—a dark cloak and a small dagger.”

Tenebrism Technique

Caravaggio’s characteristic use of tenebrism—extreme contrasts between light and dark—plays a crucial role in these works, enhancing the drama and realism of the scene. This technique focuses attention on the key elements of the painting, such as Medusa’s grotesque face and her wild, serpentine hair, while casting the rest of the composition in shadow. This contrast amplifies the emotional intensity and heightens the impact of the scene.

Complex Chemical Composition

The painting’s chemical composition is notably complex, indicating Caravaggio’s careful and deliberate approach to his craft. The layers of preparatory paint, varnish, and pigments add depth to the work, demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail in creating a lifelike and dynamic image.
“The chemical composition of this painting is extremely complex.”

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Citations

• “This painter is a stocky young man…with a thin black beard, thick eyebrows and black eyes, who goes dressed all in black, in a rather disorderly fashion, wearing black hose that is a little bit threadbare, and who has a thick head of hair, long over his forehead.” (Testimony from a barber about Caravaggio’s appearance)
• “I carry the sword by right because I am Painter to Cardinal del Monte. I am in his service and live in his house. I am entered on his household payroll.” (Caravaggio’s justification for carrying a sword)

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Conclusion

Caravaggio’s Medusa is a powerful and intense work that reflects his exceptional talent and groundbreaking approach to painting. The use of realism, dramatic lighting, and the self-insertion of Caravaggio into the mythological narrative reveals his fascination with violence, his mastery of emotional expression, and his desire to control and confront the brutal realities of the human experience. Drawing influence from Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio’s Medusa is a blend of tradition and innovation, setting the stage for the emotional depth and complexity that would characterize his later works.

@arkivecollection

Day 6 of Arkive Halloween where we’re exploring some mystical artwork. ‘Medusa’ was painted by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, often simply referred to as Caravaggio. He was an Italian Baroque painter who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Known for his revolutionary approach to art, Caravaggio was a master of chiaroscuro, a technique that involved dramatic use of light and shadow to create striking contrasts. His paintings often depicted intense, emotionally charged scenes with a naturalistic and raw quality, and he had a penchant for using ordinary people as models. Caravaggio’s works are characterized by their deep psychological insight, exceptional realism, and a willingness to explore the darker aspects of human existence. He had a significant influence on the development of Baroque art and remains a revered figure in the history of Western painting. #art #carvaggio

♬ original sound – Arkive