“Belladonn’a Kiss”

Oil on Canvas

Work in Progress

40“ x 44”

2020

This is the underpainting for a work in progress. The hummingbird is seduced by Belladonna’s bright purple flowers and sweet poisonous berries. ”Deadly Nightshade or “Belladonna” is Italian for “beautiful woman”. It is named for its uses in the 16th century to dilate the pupils of Italian Courtesans to enhance their beauty. It symbolizes the risks and sacrifices that women are willing to take for beauty. To the Victorians, a gift of Belladonna is a warning; a symbol of death and the dichotomy of good and evil. The purple blossoms represent falsehood and deception. This painting is a warning that false beliefs lead to false idols. True beauty is found in purity of heart rather than desires of the flesh.