Coral Jellyfish, Trapani Sicily 19th Century.

Coral Medusa, Trapani Sicily 19th century. coral figure. Trapani, Sicily, early 19th century. Measures 7.5 x 6.2 cm. note: This work is authentic, and entirely in 19th century coral from the Trapani Sicily area. The central carved coral figure represents Medusa.. is not typical, but it is possible that the sculptor's artistic prowess led him to create this masterpiece. Similar examples can be found in "Mirabilia coralii, Baroque masterpieces in coral by Jewish and Sicilian artisans in Trapani", pages 112 - 115, images 12 and 13. The pendants are dated before about 1647, as this is the first mention of them in the Carmelite monastic inventory of the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Annunziata, Trapani. Daughter of Phorcys and Ceto, and therefore sister of the Graeae, but mortal, Medusa is a beautiful young girl with whom Poseidon falls in love. Raped by this god in a temple dedicated to Athena, she is punished by this same goddess who transforms her into a Gorgon.