Study for Rondanini Medusa c. 1873 - 1877

Edward Burne-Jones sketched this study for Rondanini Medusa with graphite on paper. The face of Medusa confronts us, a figure from Greek mythology known for her petrifying gaze. In antiquity, Medusa represented a protective emblem, her image often adorned shields and buildings to ward off evil. However, her narrative evolved over time, transforming from a guardian figure to a symbol of horror. One only has to think of Caravaggio’s Medusa to see her as monstrous and terrifying. Here, Burne-Jones portrays Medusa with a haunting beauty, capturing the duality of her nature – a blend of allure and dread. It serves as a powerful reminder of how symbols shift, adapt, and carry layered meanings that are etched into our collective memory, resurfacing in art across centuries.