Why did Caravaggio paint Medusa twice?

Caravaggio painted Medusa twice to explore different aspects of the mythological figure and the themes of violence and beauty. The first version, created in 1597, features a decapitated Medusa captured in a moment of rage and anguish, serving as a powerful representation of fear and the human psyche. The second version, painted later, presents a more stylized and serene depiction, highlighting the contrast between Horror and aesthetic appeal. These variations allowed Caravaggio to delve deeper into the complexity of human emotions and the nature of art itself.