Medea (between 1866 and 1868). Frederick Sandys (British, 1829-1904). Oil on wood panel with gilded background. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
This painting caused much heated debate in The Times when it was rejected from the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition of 1868, despite it being hailed as a masterpiece by many critics. Greek legend describes Medea as a sorceress and the wife of Jason. When he deserted her for another woman, Medea poisoned both her rival (Glauce) and her two children. The model here is Keomi Gray.