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Gian Berto Vanni
Medusa - Greek Mythology, Abstract Versus Figurative Oil Painting, Earth Color

1998

About the Item

Medusa is a 50 x 40-inch figurative oil painting on canvas. The primary colors are earth tones, salmon, and blue. It represents the Greek mythological figure of Medusa. Two of Vanni's most beloved themes are the Mediterranean Sea and Greek mythological figures with a connection to the sea. They often gave birth to figurative abstractions, in which a representational image hides within a more abstract context. Medusa, also called Gorgo, was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone. The three Gorgon sisters—Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale—were all children of the ancient marine deities Phorcys and his sister Ceto. Vanni's' interpretation of the myth is compelling, as the viewer wonders through the intricacy of the tree-like branches, at first not recognizing where the head of Medusa is. Only after attentive scrutiny will the viewer be able to identify the yellow eye of the head at the very edge of the top of the painting. This painting was conceived by Vanni at the same time as another mythological painting titled Briareus, and they were sometimes associated as a diptych. Gian Berto Vanni was born in Rome. He studied with Vordemberge-Gildewart in Holland and color theory with Joseph Albers at Yale University in New Haven. He was actively involved in the Italian Art scene of the 60s, moving to New York City at the end of the 70s. He taught color theory at the Cooper Union School of Art in NYC for over 30 years. His works have been shown in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
  • Creator:
    Gian Berto Vanni (1927 - 2017, Italian)
  • Creation Year:
    1998
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 50 in (127 cm)Width: 40 in (101.6 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: GV98021stDibs: LU24929434562
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