In the 15th century, in Florence, Italy lived a sculpture who invented a glazing technique for terracotta. His name was Luca della Robbia and he was an artistic innovator during the Renaissance. One of his main artistic themes were reliefs of Madonna and child.
Not too far from where I grew up in California is Hearst Castle, the residence of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst who lived on the property from 1919 to 1947. After Hearst died, the castle became a California State Park in 1954. I've toured the property multiple times and one of my favorite memories was viewing a della Robbia that sat on a mantelpiece in an upstairs guest room.
I am drawn to Italian religious iconography and I wanted to create a styled mother and child portrait fashioned after a della Robbia sculpture. My desire was to create a modern image with a painterly feel.
This year I began making crowns and I knew that a photoshoot like this would require a head piece that resembled a halo. The roses add a feminine touch.
Sourcing a dress was not as easy as I had hoped so the final look was pulled together with a lace dress and multiple fabrics to achieve the draped look that I desired.
I look forward to expanding upon this theme with future portrait sessions. If you would like to learn more about a stylized mother and child portrait photoshoot, please call to book a complimentary consultation to discuss how you would like to be photographed.
Session Details:
Hand painted canvas backdrop | Mix of natural and studio lighting.
Professional hair and makeup by Erika Aguirre
Dress and handmade crown are part of the studio's wardrobe collection.
Location: Tucson, Arizona.