French Velvet

In the summer of 1805 a foreign dynasty was forcefully imposed by an Imperial power. Elisa as sister of Napoleon Bonaparte and wife of Felice Baciocchi reigned in Lucca until 1814. At first she was the princess of Lucca but she succeeded in becoming the Grand Duchess of Tuscany. She was considered as the revolutionary princess, since she governed with prudence and foresight. She supported arts, public works, welfare and educational institutions. Elisa showed the strength of her character both in luck and in adversity. Behind the dynamic colours something slightly abrasive comes out. The essence of Elisa Baciocchi Bonaparte is captured and trapped in the image. She is shown in a new representation with emphasis on her physical and emotional figure. The spectator is invited to enter the artist's world dominated by imagination.