The artist sculpted her own likeness for Medusa's face, in anger after the break-up of her romantic partnership with sculptor Auguste Rodin.

The only large marble sculpture created by Camille Claudel, the work depicts Perseus after beheading one of the three Gorgons, Medusa.

Perseus is portrayed looking toward his bronze shield as a mirror to see the reflection of Medusa's head, as looking into her eyes would turn people into stone.

French sculptor François Pompon participated in the carving of marble and slightly reduced the work's size.

Both this piece and Claudel's sculpture The Mature Age were influenced by her break-up with her art teacher, colleague and romantic partner, sculptor Auguste Rodin.