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Title: The Shadow of Giglia
Artist: Sergio Escalona
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Measurements: 39 H x 31 W
Painted in: Florence, Italy
Style: Contemporary Figurative with Symbolist Undertones
Description:
The Shadow of Giglia is a striking portrait that balances elegance with introspective symbolism. Painted in Florence by Sergio Escalona, this oil on canvas centers on a poised woman seated against a golden yellow wall, exuding grace, power, and restraint. Her sharp, sculptural features and immaculate black dress speak to her authority, while the relaxed posture hints at deep self-awareness and inner fortitude.
In her hand rests a vibrant red cardinal—an emblem of strong intuition and spiritual presence. The cardinal is more than a visual accent; it symbolizes Giglia’s acute inner compass and enduring emotional legacy. The window behind her reveals a lush, dreamlike landscape, contrasting the clarity of the interior with the freedom and complexity of the outside world.
Yet, the painting’s most poignant element is her shadow. Cast gently on the sunlit wall, it does not merely mimic her form—it represents the eternal impression she leaves behind. Her shadow, both literal and metaphorical, is a quiet testament to how deeply she has touched the lives of others, even in silence.
Escalona’s The Shadow of Giglia is a meditation on memory, intuition, and the quiet force of presence. It celebrates the timeless beauty of a woman who, while seemingly at rest, radiates a silent power that lingers beyond her physical form.