The gorgon Medusa, best known for her hair comprised of snakes and her mythological death at the hands of the hero Perseus, was a popular subject in Ancient Greek art. Despite her often monstrous appearance, it was believed that images of Medusa had apotropaic powers and could ward off evil and bad luck.
Medusa was not, however, always depicted as entirely monstrous; in this case her snake-like hair and zoomorphic features are accompanied by a tormented but classical face. This alludes to the version of the myth in which her monstrous form was the result of having been cursed out of spite due to her beauty. The addition of the Herakles knot under her chin was thought to add further protective benefits, as well as carrying fertility and healing powers.