Medusa (1900)
by Wilhelm Kotarbiński (a.k.a. Vasily Alexandrovich Kotarbiński)
Polish, 1849-1921 

Wilhelm Kotarbiński was a Polish symbolist painter who spent most of his life in the Russian Empire. He was educated in Italy and moved to Kyiv early in his career. He is associated with the Art Nouveau movement. 

The painting “Medusa” is a captivating work that delves into the rich tapestry of Greek mythology. Medusa, one of the three Gorgon sisters, was often depicted as a monstrous figure with snakes for hair, whose gaze could turn onlookers to stone. 

Symbolist artists aimed to capture the essence of subjects through metaphor and emotion, often exploring themes of love, fear, and the subconscious. In the case of Medusa, the artwork might explore the duality of her nature—both monstrous and wronged, a victim and a villain. The painting could emphasize the tragic elements of Medusa’s story, highlighting her transformation from a beautiful maiden to a creature of horror, which is a common theme in interpretations of her myth.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging