Medusa

 

This bas-relief occupied the frontal face of a rectangular block. Medusa's face extends across the upper half of the field, while the lower features snakes forming Herakles' knot under the monster's chin. Curly hair frames the rounded face in crude semicircles and is parted symmetrically above the center of the forehead. The mouth is small and apparently toothless. The eyes are wide open, surmounted by thick eyebrows. The pupils are indicated by circular knobs. The front is wrinkled, as indicated by three parallel wavy lines occupying the center. The nose is mutilated. The piece is fairly well-preserved otherwise.

Provenance: Tall al-Faras (acquired by the museum in December 1932).  

Era: 1st - 3rd century CE.  

Substance: basalt. 

Dimensions: H 50 cm, W 38.5 cm, D 15.5 cm. 

Text:| Weber (p. 71). 

Collection: National Museum of Damascus. 

Thomas M. Weber. Sculptures from Roman Syria in the Syrian National Museum of Damascus. Vol I, from Cities and Villages in Central and Southern Syria. Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft. Worms. 2006.

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