Head of Medusa

Cameo by Benedetto Pistrucci Italian
 Mount by Carlo Giuliano Italian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 516

The grim but mesmerizing visage of Medusa, the Gorgon decapitated by Perseus, was a favorite motif in classical antiquity and frequently invoked in later periods. Pistrucci's precision of detail led to his appointment to cut dies for the coinage of the Royal Mint in London. After falling out with the mint, the Roman-born artist returned with undiminished success to his original occupation, cameo carving. He made this gem for the London dentist Samuel Cartwright, whose calling is reflected in Carlo Giuliano's frame incorporating the wings and snakes of Mercury's caduceus, the emblem of the medical profession.

Head of Medusa, Cameo by Benedetto Pistrucci (Italian, 1783–1855, active England), Red jasper mounted in gold with white enamel, Italian, executed in England (London)

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Head of Medusa, Cameo by Benedetto Pistrucci (Italian, 1783–1855, active England), Red jasper mounted in gold with white enamel, Italian, executed in England (London)
Head of Medusa, Cameo by Benedetto Pistrucci (Italian, 1783–1855, active England), Red jasper mounted in gold with white enamel, Italian, executed in England (London)

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