The Vision of Medea by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851). 1828. Oil on canvas, 1737 x 2489 mm. Courtesy of Tate Britain (Accession no. NO0513. Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856.) Details: (1) Medea and visionary spheres; (2) Spheres and putti. Click on image to enlarge it.
Commentary from Tate Britain Online
The sorceress Medea was jilted by Jason, and slew their children to spite him. Here she performs an incantation. Ingredients for her spell are scattered on the ground to the left. She appears again above, fleeing Corinth in a chariot, and hurling her murdered children behind her.
See Tate Britain Online for full catalogue entry, including provenance, exhibition history, critical reception, and bibliography.
Last modified 16 May 2016