Medea 1865 - 1868

William Wetmore Story carved this "Medea" in the 19th century, using marble, a material closely linked with classical antiquity and its revival in European art. The smooth, cool surface of the marble lends itself to the crisp lines of Medea's draped clothing, and the stark, unflinching portrayal of her internal conflict. The story of Medea is one of the ultimate revenge, but here, she is caught in a moment of deliberation. Consider the labor involved; the physical effort of quarrying, transporting, and then, the meticulous removal of stone. Story has shaped inert material into a figure brimming with psychological intensity. The whiteness of the marble idealizes Medea, but also allows light and shadow to play across her face, deepening her expression. "Medea" reflects the enduring power of the handmade, even within the grand traditions of Western art. It also makes visible the complex and gendered dimensions of labor, politics, and consumption.