Provenance
Acquired by American Legacy Fine Arts directly from the artist
Description
Inspired by the classical Roman white onyx cameo carvings, Steele creates a modern interpretation. Here, the artist applies his academic drawing skills to depict a classic depiction of a reclining nude. The work is drawn with sepia pencil on Fabriano paper, a handmade archival paper that continues to be made in the central Italian province of Ancona since the 13th century and used by the Old Masters of the Renaissance period. Steele intentionally tore the edges of the paper and mounted it on a white onyx stone to create a sense of "fragment" art that may be found in villas from the classical period, such as in ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Display Suggestion: This work can be shown on a small table easel, as an intimate approach to viewing the art. In addition, the onyx stone is slightly transparent so that any light source shining from behind can provide added appeal.
Exhibitions Alexey Steele: Torn Beauty at American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, CA, June 2 - 30, 2012
