l'education sentimentale

Oil on canvas, sold

I painted this piece on a 120 cm x 120 cm stretched canvas. The title of this art piece is acquired from my mother's favourite song, L’Éducation Sentimentale, by Maxime Le Forestier. The title of the painting translates to Sentimental Education in English.

This art piece highlights original sin and the serpent of knowledge. It is believed that Original Sin stems back to when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating fruit from the prohibited tree; it is the notion that humans are inherently born sinful. The theme of Original Sin is represented by the woman who embraces her sexuality and female pleasure. In Greek mythology, Asclepius, God of healing and medicine, carried a rod known as the Rod of Asclepius wrapped with a serpent around it, which has evolved into the symbol of modern medicine. It was believed that a serpent's venom has the power to both heal and instill increased consciousness. The snake in the image injects the woman's heart with its venom that expands her awareness and knowledge. The venom is transforming the woman's heart; due to the increased awareness which he is instilling in her, you can see the flowers representing her feelings of euphoria and consciousness escaping out of her transcendent mind.