This relief is from one of the three preserved metopes from the temple C in Selinunte.  The Greek hero Perseus, son of Zeus and Danaë, is standing elongated and flexible in the middle of the metope. He probably held a not preserved sword or a sickle in his right hand. Pictured is the moment right before Perseus is beheading Medusa. In his left hand he is holding her hair tuft. With just one look the Gorgon Medusa, who is pictured flying in the archaic running pose, was able to turn a man into stone. Instead of hair she had snakes on her head. The winged horse Pegasus, born in the myth, from her severed neck, rests in her arms. Right behind the hero at his left side the goddess of wisdom, Athena, is pictured in a dignified pose. She advised him never to look into her face, but use his shield as a mirror.

(N.G.)