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 design for Perseus was not used in either finished versions of 'The Baleful Head'. An earlier composition of 'The Baleful Head' (in the 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.