SIR EDWARD COLEY BURNE-JONES, BT., A.R.A., R.W.S.| STUDY FOR THE HEAD OF PERSEUS IN THE DEATH OF MEDUSA

H.S. Theobald Esq. by 1899;

Probably purchased in 1904 by prominent art collectors in Wales and thence by family descent

London, Burlington Fine Arts Club, Exhibition of Drawings and Studies by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Bart., 1899, part of no.61 (no.2)

The Death of Medusa is one of the most successful scenes of the 'Perseus Series.' It depicts Perseus fleeing from the island of Sarpedon with the severed head of the Gorgon Medusa, whilst her two immortal sisters, Euryale and Stheno, rise up on huge wings to try to prevent his escape. It is a nightmarish vision but beautifully designed and forcefully studied. Although a finished painting did not materialise, there are two large cartoons (Southampton City Art Gallery and Staatsgalerie, Stuttgart). This powerful study is typical of the meticulous preparatory work for the Perseus Series and demonstrates Burne-Jones' admiration and emulation of the draughtsmanship of Michelangelo in the 1870s.