Perseus and the Gorgon's Head c. 1770

This drawing of Perseus and the Gorgon’s Head was made by an anonymous artist. It depicts the Greek hero Perseus, holding the severed head of Medusa. The story of Perseus and Medusa has been a popular subject in art for centuries, often interpreted as a symbol of triumph over evil or chaos. This particular interpretation is interesting. The Gorgon is not presented as a monster but a serene face, the very image of beauty. The hero is elegant and idealized. We have to ask, what social function does it serve? What political message did it offer, particularly if it dates from a time of upheaval? Further research into the provenance of this work, where it was displayed, and who commissioned it, might provide more insight into the image's specific historical and cultural significance. Only then we can speculate as to how this image functioned within specific institutional and cultural settings.