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Paula Craioveanu
Centaur with Harp original Paula Craioveanu oil/canvas Neo Mythology

2024

About the Item

“Centaur with Harp”, 70x50cm, 31.5x19.5in, oil on canvas, from the same series of Neo-Mythology paintings. Shipped as it is, stretched. Comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. Free shipping for items over $500 with 1stDibs code FREESHIP. This painting, titled "Centaur with Harp" is another compelling work by the artist, showcasing a fusion of mythological and architectural themes in a dynamic and expressive manner. The central figure is a centaur—a half-human, half-horse creature from Greek mythology—holding a harp. This depiction emphasizes the centaur's dual nature: both its raw physicality and its connection to art, music, and culture. The centaur's pose is dynamic, with its muscular form leaning backward as if caught in motion or deep concentration. This sense of movement contrasts with the structural rigidity of the surrounding architectural elements, including the geometric red-brick wall and large arched window. The composition is balanced, with the centaur's diagonal pose cutting through the vertical and horizontal lines of the background. The interplay between organic (the centaur) and geometric (the architecture) shapes creates visual tension and harmony. The artist employs earthy tones for the centaur—beige, ochre, and brown—highlighting its connection to nature. These tones are contrasted with the bold, warm reds of the brick wall and the cooler, neutral tones of the arched window and light streaming in. This contrast not only separates the centaur from its environment but also emphasizes its mythological essence, as if it exists in a realm slightly removed from reality. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, particularly in the rendering of the centaur. The musculature is highlighted through bold, dynamic lines that suggest strength and vitality. The background architecture, though precise, is painted with an impressionistic flair, allowing the artist to create a sense of depth without overwhelming the subject. The handling of light is notable. The glow from the window and the subtle reflections on the centaur's body give the painting a warm, almost ethereal quality, emphasizing the creature's mythological status. Symbolism. As a figure from Greek mythology, the centaur represents the duality of human nature—wild, animalistic instincts versus intellectual, creative pursuits. Holding a harp, this centaur leans toward the latter, symbolizing harmony, beauty, and artistic expression. The harp connects the centaur to music and civilization, serving as a metaphor for the transformative power of art in taming chaos. The background architecture suggests a modern or historic setting, placing the mythical creature in a contemporary or human-made environment. This juxtaposition invites questions about how mythology fits into the constructed world of today. Themes. Mythology Meets Modernity: Like the artist’s other works, this piece explores the intersection of mythological narratives and contemporary spaces. The centaur, a being from ancient lore, is situated in a structured, architectural environment, blurring the boundaries between past and present. The harp signifies the unifying and civilizing force of art, bridging the human and animal aspects of the centaur and connecting the mythical to the material world. The centaur’s dynamic pose contrasts with the static, geometric architecture. This interplay creates a dialogue between organic vitality and structural order. "Centaur with Harp" is a visually engaging and thematically rich painting. The artist’s skillful use of color, light, and form brings the centaur to life, making it feel like a timeless entity caught in a fleeting moment of artistic creation. The juxtaposition of myth and architecture reflects the artist’s ongoing exploration of how ancient stories and symbols resonate in modern contexts. The work is both thought-provoking and aesthetically pleasing, inviting viewers to reflect on the enduring power of mythology and the transformative role of art in bridging the human and the divine. Biography: Paula Craioveanu is a Romanian artist, born in 1976. She grew up surrounded by art and inspiration, in a family of artists. Trained in Bucharest and New York as an architect and painter. Holds a degree in Architecture and a PhD in Visual Arts. Presently working as a full-time artist. At the age of 16, Paula Craioveanu moved to New York, where she came in contact with New York’s vibrant art scene, she graduated from high school and then studied at Parsons School of Design. Then she moved back to Romania where she studied for the next 6 years at the Architecture University in Bucharest and graduated with a degree in Architecture in 2000. In 2013 she earned a Ph.D in Visual Arts at the University of Arts in Bucharest with the theme “Geometry of Space in 17th century Dutch painting”. After this, she dedicated her full time to art, and showed her talent to the art world. Paula Craioveanu works in acrylic and oil paints, but also pen and ink or tempera works on paper. She regularly participates in shows and exhibitions in galleries along the East and West Coast of the United States, like bG Gallery Santa Monica, Dacia Gallery and Perseus Gallery in New York. Paula Craioveanu’s work is featured on the two most exclusive online art marketplaces, 1stDibs and Artsy. Over the course of 20 years, Paula Craioveanu has created several painting series: “Abstract”, “Interiors”, “Nude in Interior”, “NeoMythology”. Paula Craioveanu’s work has been placed in private collection around the world, both in Europe and in the United States. Today, Paula Craioveanu has set up studios and works in Bucharest and New York. Find original Paula Craioveanu paintings, works on paper and other art on 1stDibs. Next: Works on display - December 2024, Context Art Miami.
  • Creator:
    Paula Craioveanu (1976, Romanian)
  • Creation Year:
    2024
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 31.5 in (80.01 cm)Width: 19.5 in (49.53 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Forest Hills, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: Romanian-American artist. PhD in Visual Arts.1stDibs: LU2240216055952

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