Medea 1873

anselmfeuerbach

charcoal drawing

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

portrait reference

portrait head and shoulder

underpainting

mythology

portrait drawing

facial portrait

portrait art

digital portrait

Anselm Feuerbach's "Medea" (1873) depicts the titular figure from Greek mythology in a moment of melancholic contemplation. The composition is striking, with Medea seated in a richly draped gown, her head resting on her hand. The figure's somber expression and the intricately detailed vase behind her allude to Medea's tragic fate, highlighting themes of love, betrayal, and revenge. Feuerbach's meticulous realism and use of chiaroscuro further contribute to the drama and emotional intensity of the work. The painting is considered a masterpiece of the 19th-century German Realist movement, showcasing the artist's mastery of depicting human emotion.