My original idea for a painting of Medea was to have Bethany’s (see April 5 post) face reflected in the mirror as she sees the reflection of her husband, Jason, and his lover, Glauke, reflected in the glass of wine. I found, however, that the reflection in the mirror was so much smaller than the back of the model standing in front of it, that I decided I must have my model turn around and look backward in order to paint her face. I used the rather lurid lamp light to give it True Crime Story feel.

Medea is one of the strongest and most fearful women in Greek mythology. She is the betrayed wife of Greek hero, Jason. In the opening scene of Euripides play, the nurse to Medea’s and Jason’s children warns: “In truth the man that incurs her hate will have no easy task singing a song of triumph over her.”

In Medea’s own words, “Let no one think of me that I am humble or weak or passive; let them understand that I am of a different kind: dangerous to my enemies, loyal to my friends. To such a life, glory belongs.”

9×12 oil on untempered masonite panel, $300.00 USD