Artwork Information

Described as one of the most original creators and extravagant personalities of the 17th century, Rosa's 'savage romanticism' was hugely influential on later artists. Ovid states how Medea gives her lover Jason a magic potion to pour over the dragon who guards the golden fleece, thus allowing him to steal it. Believed to be one of the latest and best of Rosa's etchings, the background in this scene is built up with great bravura using rapid lines that swoop, curve and hook into one another. A similar dynamic energy is found in the figures of hero and beast. (Monsters and Maidens, 2004)