Water-mixable oils on canvas paper. 12″ x 16″
I’ve always been fascinated by the intense realness of Bellini’s Portrait of Leonardo Loredan (Doge of the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century), as well as the history of Venice in general. Since the entire culture of the Republic was based on water, I decided to give the old Doge a more fluid makeover. The dripping, or “melting” effect on Loredan and the St. Mark’s Lion reflect the impermanence of Venice. The design in the background is a simplification of the Grand Canal, which gives the city its color and life.
Tags: charlie thomason, paintings, portraits, surreal
[...] Giovanni Bellini’s portrait of Leonardo Loredan, which I once painted a sort of tribute to (The Melting Doge). What really blows me away though is the eloquence in which Jones is able to describe [...]