Jean DelvilleBelgian, 1867–1953Medusa
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Medusa” now? Collection: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
A prolific writer, poet, and artist, Jean Delville was a leading figure of the Idealist branch of Belgian Symbolism, intent on painting visionary ideas instead of images inspired by the real world. Here, he depicted Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology often described as having venomous snakes for hair. According to myth, those who gazed into Medusa’s eyes turned to stone. In Delville’s drawing, Medusa’s hypnotic eyes stare out from a web of sinuous liquids, serpents, smoke, and a blue veil that partially obscures her face.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Details
- Accession number
- 2010.345
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — © the artist or rights holder
