Antheia 2021

Mary Jane Ansell painted "Antheia" with oils, a slow-drying medium demanding patience and precision. The smooth, almost porcelain-like skin of the figure is achieved through layers of subtle glazing, a traditional painting technique. The inherent qualities of oil paint—its viscosity and blendability—allow Ansell to create seamless transitions of color and tone, mimicking the soft, diffused light. The way the garment drapes, with its subtle folds and creases, speaks to Ansell's mastery of rendering fabric, a skill honed through careful observation and practice. Ansell engages with the historical tradition of portraiture, particularly the Pre-Raphaelites, by using the techniques of the Old Masters and by evoking mythological or mythical associations. Ultimately, "Antheia" demonstrates the enduring appeal and expressive potential of traditional materials and techniques, as a constant reference to the aesthetic canon. This, in turn, challenges us to reconsider art history and its perceived hierarchies.