Gorgon 

Gustav Adolf Mossa painted *Gorgon* using watercolors, a medium capable of great transparency, allowing light to pass through the layers. Watercolors have a reputation as a quick, spontaneous medium, but *Gorgon* transcends that impression. The artist has painstakingly built up tone on the paper, applying thin washes to create depth and luminosity. The fluid nature of the paint has allowed Mossa to create delicate transitions of color. The Gorgon's serpentine locks are rendered with a graphic precision, while the broader forms of the clothing and setting are more atmospheric, like an ominous dreamscape. Watercolors are a relatively accessible medium, but the level of detail and refinement in *Gorgon* suggests Mossa’s skillful and laborious handling. His technique elevates the medium, challenging assumptions about the divide between fine art and craft. By attending to the materials and making process, we can see *Gorgon* as more than just an image, but as a testament to the artist's dedication and skill.