Unknown artist, fresco from Pompeii
“Medea Contemplating the Murder of Her Children,” 62–79 AD

Medea stands outside a house in Corinth, staring straight ahead, still rooted to the spot. The sword hangs at her side; her children are still alive. Yet her gaze tells us the decision has already been made. The Roman artist captured the instant when fury hardens into a plan.

The story is as old as tragedy itself. For Jason, Medea left her homeland and father and helped him claim the Golden Fleece. Years later, he chose a new bride and set out to cast Medea and their children aside. The revenge she would take became one of antiquity’s most horrifying tales.

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