Dangerous Beauty: Medusa in Classical Art

Beginning in the fifth century BC, Medusa became increasingly anthropomorphic and feminine, undergoing a visual transformation from grotesque to beautiful. Concurrently a similar shift occurred in representations of other mythical female hybrid creatures, such as sphinxes, sirens, and the sea monster Scylla. Kiki Karoglou, associate curator of Greek and Roman art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, discusses a selection of works drawn primarily from the Met’s collection. Dating from the late sixth century BC to the 20th century, they range from ancient Greek and Roman armor, drinking cups, and funerary urns to neoclassical cameos and contemporary fashion, including the earliest portrayal of Medusa in Greek art. Free; ticket required.