'Classical allusion'

Walker ‘Classical Allusion’ (August 2018) oil on linen, 115 x 76 cm
The model for this figure painting was my granddaughter Olivia Orman aged 15. She requested the painting and adopted the Lolita-like pose and facial expression. To enhance the subject, I placed the figure on a lakeside bank and added an angry swan protesting the invasion of his territory. The allusion, of course, is to the ancient classical myth of Leda and the Swan – an erotic subject popular with artists throughout the centuries. The classical allusion is reinforced by the presence of a Greek/Roman-style temple across the lake.