The person in the portrait is Isabella, who posed for me at my home in early January 2025, exploring various poses. I later developed this work into several larger charcoal portraits as well. I made two quick colour studies to determine which palette would work best, and during this process I changed the colour of the skirt from shiny pink to gold- something I had observed in Flemish painting, particularly in the Portinari Triptych by Hugo van der Goes, with its rich golden tones and monumental frame.
The painting is executed on board and set within a wooden frame. The frame features beautiful carved swirls and gilded details that correspond with the ornamental patterns on her skirt, creating a visual connection between the figure and the frame.
I absolutely love Isabella’s long hair and wanted it to be strongly emphasised in the portrait. It functions almost like a curtain between the viewer and the sitter, partially concealing her. We can see her, but only partially, creating a sense of distance and mystery.
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About Zuzanna Salamon
Selected for the 2023 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, 2023 RSA Annual Exhibition, and recipient of numerous awards including the RSA John Kinross Scholarship, the Florence Academy of Art Scholarship (2025), and multiple de Laszlo Foundation Prizes. Feathers recur in Zuzanna Salamon's work, gesturing towards her...
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