Athena

Protectress. Goddess of war and wisdom. These are the characteristics that the name Athena immediately conjures in my mind. Yet in ancient Greek religion, she was also recognized as the Goddess of handicraft, which this painting references through the use of the millennia-old gold leaf technique. With the intense gold-flecked irises and a shimmering background, Remsen's portrait is as much a dynamic exploration of light and texture as it is a demonstration of her talent to naturalistically portray the figure in her works. I can imagine this painting would be both a conversation starter and statement piece for the person who collects it. When you buy art, it should be because you know you'll enjoy it for years to come. The fact that the surface changes according to the lighting and time of day means that you'd experience it differently almost every time that you see it. As such, the painting would continue to captivate, bewitch, and inspire - much like the Goddess Athena herself.