2013-2018
I have always loved the great masters with a lively affection for Rembrandt.
A visit to his house in Amsterdam has reinforced my desire to understand his painting techniques.
‘Titus reading’ is my favourite picture. The use of black on a golden background is extraordinary. My admiration is such that I decided to work on a series of 17th century Dutch bourgeois portraits.
I asked my friend and photographer Jean de Calan to help me out with this.
We recreated the atmosphere of bourgeois interiors in his studio with an emphasis on a lights, colours and textures.
I hired 5 models which we directed together. We dressed them up as 17th century bourgeois and servants …
I was surprised to discover Turkish costumes during my visit to Vertugadins (Historical costume rental service). I rented Turkish costumes as well as Dutch bourgeois ones. I decided to add an eastern theme to my
project as did Dutch painters in 17th century.
We worked for 3 days with Jean de Calan the photos which I later used to do the paintings.