One of several studies in Birmingham's Collection for the Perseus Series of paintings (Series I is now in the Stattsgalerie, Stuttgart; Series II in the Southampton City Art Gallery).

This composition for the figure of Perseus was not used in any of the final versions of 'The Baleful Head'. An earlier composition of 'The Baleful Head' (Staatgalerie) utilises this study, with Perseus holding the head of Medusa in his outstetched right hand, over the head of Andromeda, who looks down at its reflection in a pool of water.