Medusa Marinara Plate
Artist
Vik Muniz (American; Brazilian, b. 1961)
Date
1999Medium
Digital print on porcelainDimensions
Work : 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 in. (31.75 x 31.75 cm)Credit Line
Gift of David Kamansky and Gerald WheatonObject Number
2014.23.39
Label
Medusa was one of three monstrous Gorgon sisters who had snakes for hair and eyes that turned humans to stone. Ancient Greek myths say that Medusa was the offspring of two primordial ocean gods and that her terrifying features were part of her appearance from birth, but later Roman versions of the story say that she was born a human and was only later turned into a monster by the goddess Minerva (Athena) when Minerva discovered Medusa kissing the god Neptune (Poseidon) in a temple dedicated to Minerva. All versions of the myth agree that Medusa was eventually killed by the hero Perseus, who delivered her severed head to Minerva on a plate. This image of Medusa’s severed head by Brazilian artist Vik Muniz is based on a famous painting by the Italian Renaissance master Caravaggio, which Muniz has reproduced using spaghetti, tomato sauce, and vegetables so that the image humorously resembles the remains of a good dinner.
