ELEONORE

Eleonore was created as a commissioned portrait, yet she grew to embody something universal — a quiet tribute to motherhood, serenity, and the inner radiance of new life. Inspired by the atmospheric landscapes of Leonardo da Vinci, particularly the dreamlike depth behind the Mona Lisa, I shaped the background to echo that same sense of timeless mystery. A soft river winds its way into the far distance, drawing the eye gently through the landscape, while a narrow path curves along the right side of the painting, inviting the viewer to imagine where it might lead.

Eleonore herself stands as the luminous centre of the scene, her pregnancy symbolising hope, continuity, and the profound beauty of expectation. Crowned with roses and a single lily, she carries both the symbolism of love and purity, blending tenderness with quiet strength. The contrast between her calm, grounded presence and the expansive landscape behind her creates a sense of harmony — a reminder that every life unfolds within a larger, ever-evolving world.

Painted with careful layering and a reverence for classical form, Eleonore is both a personal portrait and a celebration of the enduring themes that have captivated artists for centuries: motherhood, nature, beauty, and the quiet poetry of the human spirit.

Oils on Canvas