Medusa, c. 1854
Harriet Goodhue Hosmerexpand_more
Marbleexpand_more
The Walter C. and Mary C. Briggs Purchase Fundexpand_more 2003.125
Not on Viewexpand_more
At a time when less than 1 percent of American women went to college, Harriet Goodhue Hosmer studied anatomy and moved to Rome to study sculpture. In 1858 she established her own sculpture studio in Rome, leading a team of more than twenty men. Hosmer often depicted strong female figures. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a beautiful woman whom the gods transformed into a Gorgon, a creature with snakes for hair, whose gaze turned those who looked at her to stone. Hosmer’s compassionate rendering shows Medusa’s transformation in progress, snakes intertwined with her lovely hair.
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Details
- Title
- Medusa
- Artist Life
- 1830-1908
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2003.125
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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