moments in silence before being atrociously defeated. Blood pours down in many streaks, while the mouth hangs wide open baring teeth. With brows creased and eyes amplified, an appalling expression is portrayed. The painting was commissioned as a commemoration shield by Cardinal Francesco Maria Del Monte, who wanted to give it to the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinando I de' Medici, for his courage, and have it placed in the Medici collection. Description Material The chemical composition of this painting is extremely complex. Caravaggio used a circular shield made from poplar wood as a base for this painting. The shield was covered by linen, on which four different layers of paint - known as preparation layers - were added to help create the basis for the painting. On top of the preparation layers, an additional layer was applied to make the background appear more reflective. On top of this reflective layer, another layer was applied (the green background that is shown on the painting) - this layer consists of a mixture of verdigris and lead-tin yellow paint. On top of this background layer, three more layers consisting of mixtures of siccative oils, turpentine and mastic with traces of beeswax were applied to form the painting. At last, a few more layers were added to help conserve the painting. Style The level of tenebrism and realism are well portrayed in this painting – creating a three-dimensional appearance. Medusa's cheeks and jawline are elongated to complement the nature of the painting. Caravaggio's idea of using a convex shield as a canvas was to paint it from Perseus' point of view – in the instance Medusa's reflection appeared on his shield, right before he killed her. Influence The idea of decapitation is a very frequent image portrayed by Caravaggio and it tends to occur in many of his artworks such as Judith Beheading Holofernes, David with the Head of Goliath, and The Beheading of St John the Baptist. Caravaggio's artwork is portrayed as being a visual instrument through the depiction of scenes related to torture and martyrdom. Every artist paints themselves in their own works of art. That being said, Caravaggio's dark and mysterious nature is evident and demonstrated in his paintings. The combination of violence and realism is what makes his work unique. See also List of paintings by Caravaggio Sources Graham-Dixon, Andrew. “Caravaggio.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 4 February 2019.