Perseus 1570

Antonio Spano’s print, Perseus, presents a classical subject through the lens of an early printmaker. It exists in a cultural context steeped in patriarchal interpretations of mythology. Perseus stands triumphantly over the slain Medusa, her severed head in his hand. The Greek myths have always been a complex mix of adventure and morality, but I find myself asking what it means to depict a woman, Medusa, as a monster deserving of such a fate? How does this imagery reflect the societal fears and control of female power and sexuality? Is Medusa simply a monster, or is she a symbol of female rage and resistance against patriarchal norms? As we contemplate this print, let's consider how it not only tells a story, but also reflects and shapes our understanding of power, gender, and the narratives we choose to perpetuate.