Sardonyx cameo of Medusa, Italy first half of the 19th century

A sardonyx cameo of Medusa.

Italian, first half of the 19th century.

Measures 3.2 x 2.6 x 1cm.

The agate cameo is carved in relief to depict the image of Medusa’s head, one of the most iconic and haunting symbols in mythology and art. Her wide, piercing eyes are hypnotic, frozen in a gaze that could turn onlookers to stone. Most strikingly, amongst her hair, writhing snakes coil around her head, twisting and slithering in every direction, alongside a pair of small wings.

Medusa is a legendary figure from Greek mythology, known as one of the three Gorgons. Unlike her immortal sisters, she was mortal. Originally a beautiful maiden, she was cursed by the goddess Athena, transforming her hair into snakes and giving her a deadly gaze that turned anyone who looked at her to stone.

She was later slain by the hero Perseus, who used a mirrored shield to avoid her gaze. From her blood, the winged horse Pegasus and the warrior Chrysaor were born. Over time, Medusa has been reinterpreted as both a monster and a symbol of power, injustice, and resilience in art and culture.

Medusa is sometimes depicted with wings on her head due to her connection with earlier archaic and classical representations of the Gorgons in Greek mythology. These wings symbolize her supernatural speed and power, allowing her to move swiftly, almost like a divine or monstrous being.