"Spartacus"

'Spartacus' is part of a series of animal portraits in chiaroscuro, rendered at a larger-than-life scale. Each subject bears the name of a famous gladiator, underscoring the strength and nobility of these creatures.

In this work, the encounter with the gorilla becomes a silent, almost solemn confrontation. The animal's deep, human gaze immediately captures the attention, prompting an inner reflection. This intense face-to-face encounter drives us to question our own humanity in a world we share, often unequally, with other species.

The dramatic light, allied with the monumentality of the portrait, reinforces the gorilla's arresting presence. 'Spartacus' is not merely the representation of a primate: it is a symbol of dignity, quiet strength, and mystery. The work invites us to reconsider our relationship to nature, and the place we occupy within it.

Ultimately, this realistic portrait seeks to erase the boundaries between the human and the animal. It establishes a powerful visual and emotional connection, confronting us with our own gaze upon the living and upon the bonds that unite us with the other beings on this planet.