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Head of Medusa

Arnold Böcklin (Swiss, 1827–1901)
Swiss
about 1894
Object Place: Europe, Switzerland

Medium/Technique Plaster and Papier mache (?), polychrome
Dimensions Other (Overall): 61cm (24in.)
Credit Line Bequest of the Estate of Mr. C. Adrian Rübel
Accession Number1978.514
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSculpture
Medusa was a mythological, snake-haired creature whose gaze could turn men to stone. The Greek hero Perseus avoided this fate by holding up his highly polished shield to capture Medusa's reflection. Protected in this way, he beheaded her. The image of the head of Medusa was believed to ward off evil, and it was often used to decorate shields and breastplates. This rare example of a sculpture by the painter Böcklin presents a terrifying vision of Medusa with staring eyes, open mouth, and a wreath of snakes around her head.

DescriptionPapier mache (?) and plaster. Open mouthed head with coppery locks and snakes issuing from domed black medallion with molded and gilt rim (worn and broken showing plaster at top.)
ProvenanceAbout 1894, probably acquired from the artist by Augustus Rübel (b. 1827 - d. 1892), Basel, Switzerland [see note 1]; to his son, Augustus Alexander Rübel (b. 1867 - d. 1912), Zurich and New York; to his son, Charles Adrian Rübel (b. 1903 - d. 1978), Cambridge, MA; 1978, bequest of Charles Adrian Rübel to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 13, 1978)

NOTES: [1] According to a letter to Charles Adrian Rübel from his uncle, Eduard Rübel (June 15, 1954), who recalled its delivery to their home (excerpt in MFA curatorial file).