Painting in which I devised an imaginary portrait of the historical figure Margherita Marsili: she was called “the Beautiful Marsilia” because of her dazzling beauty, the tawny color of her hair and her sea-colored eyes. She was kidnapped on April 22, 1543 in Maremma, an area south of the Tuscan coast, following an unexpected pirate raid, only to be transferred by the Saracen Barbarossa to Constantinople, where she became a favorite of the Sultan of Constantinople Suleiman II, who fell madly in love with her. In creating this work I imbued the canvas with intense emotions, using oil to capture the delicacy and inner strength of the subject. An expressive play of light and shadow blends with realism and expressionism, revealing not only form but also soul. This figure in the composition brings a fascinating and profound energy to any setting, inviting contemplation and admiration.
