The Story

Inspired by my travels in Florence, Italy, Ceremony draws inspiration from the ornately painted ceilings of the Palazzo Vecchio. Their scrolling vines, flowers, animals, human figures, and mythological creatures create the kind of imaginative, dreamlike world I explore in my own paintings.

I was staying in Piazza della Signoria, where the Palazzo Vecchio stands, and wandered in on my first day. I was awestruck by the beauty and intricacy of the ceilings. Ceremony was the second painting I created during my time in Florence, and I embellished its floral designs with 24-karat gold leaf.

In the painting, I portray myself face to face with a mystical creature, holding a rose up like a sword. Are we embracing, or caught in a struggle? The title leaves that question open: whatever is taking place between us might be a ceremony.

Materials & Framing

This painting was created with archival oil paint and 24-karat gold leaf on a museum-grade panel, using luminous mineral pigments derived from lapis lazuli, azurite, rhodonite, and traditional Italian earth pigments. These richly colored materials have a deep connection to art history.

Lapis lazuli, azurite, and earth pigments were treasured by Italian Renaissance masters for their depth, brilliance, and enduring beauty. Gold carries powerful symbolic and alchemical associations connected with divine illumination and spiritual perfection.

The painting is presented in a hand-painted, carved wooden frame made in Italy.

Ceremony

oil and 24 karat gold leaf on panel

5 x 7 inches

$1,500 USD

Free shipping is included within the United States and Canada. For shipping rates to other countries, please email kristy@kristygordon.com.