Medusa

The clay monster that blends ancient Greece’s and Barcelos’s mythology.

The masterful potter António Ramalho is the great-grandson of Rosa Ramalho, one of the most popular Portuguese potters to this day, who shaped the famous clay figures of Barcelos throughout the 20th century.

It was António Ramalho’s mother, also a potter, who created this Medusa, now crafted by the hands of a man who grew up with a very conscious doubt about his heritage: Where do I fit in? Does my work belong on the same shelves as these incredible women who taught me everything I know?

That is a lot of pressure. But sometimes, pressure simply gives way to talent. So - Medusa.

With snakes in place of hair, as the myth goes. Her face so horrific - or, depending on the version, so beautiful - that anyone who looked upon her would instantly turn to stone.

We couldn't stop looking at her, just as she was made by the potter António Ramalho in his workshop in Barcelos (Minho, Portugal). Far from turning us to stone, the piece made us smile.

It is a work of love and homage, with the vitreous quality and texture of the piece revealing themselves as António’s unique and most distinctive characteristics. He has every reason to be a proud bearer of this incredible family legacy.

We found Medusa to be a witty and visionary fusion of ancient Greek tragedy with the popular clay figures of Barcelos from the 20th century. We even dare to say: a unique piece of Graeco-Barcelense mythology. Our apologies to all art historians.