POST-MORTEM WITH FLOWER
Oil on linen canvas, 35x46cm

This painting is part of my postmortem series, inspired by 19th-century postmortem photography. The figure, dressed in white, lies on a coffin in a scene reminiscent of a private funeral. The background gradually dissolves into a nocturnal landscape illuminated by a full moon. The deceased holds a dried golden flower, appearing to rest peacefully.
As with the other works in this series, the painting explores the beauty and wisdom found in death, encouraging reflection on mortality as a means to live more fully. In this piece, I sought to convey the fragility of life, comparing it to the fleeting bloom of a flower, easily disrupted by an unexpected, life-altering wind.
This postmortem painting was created using one of my artist colleagues as a model, who posed for two extended sessions during which I completed the figure and hands. Initially conceived as a direct painting, primarily using a wet-on-wet technique across the canvas, the piece evolved through additional layers of glazing for integration and color adjustments.
To enhance the sense of an otherworldly atmosphere, I employed hard, worn brushes to create broken brushwork and textured effects. The final layers, applied with a generous amount of oil paint, used softer brushes to refine the details. The painting was executed on high-quality linen, chosen for its durability and texture, allowing it to withstand the heavy paint application and vigorous brushwork.

This painting is AVAILABLE for purchase. If interested, please send an email to nicodige89@gmail.com