The Creation of Eve (after Michelangelo) by local artist Nicholas Portanova
Acrylic, leather and wood on a gallery wrapped canvas, unframed, 2025
Artist Statement
“The Creation of Eve” is a modern view ofMichelangelo’s magnum opus on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In his painting, Eve is being created by God from the body of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Eve rises fully formed and ready to take her place in the garden.
In my painting, Eve is unformed and unshaped,not in a garden but in outer space. She exists in the far reaches of the universe as the first woman, the first mother and the parent to us all. She is the beginning of humanity and provides our first taste of nourishment and knowledge.
On the left of the painting God’s hand stretches out to touch her arm which gives life to Eve. She rises in the center while the lower body of Adam is seen on the right. Eve rises to take her place on the small blue planet behind her but must first push herself out of Adam. She struggles out while being formed and shows her determination to fulfill her place in the grand scheme.
The colors of the painting are earth tones such as red ocher, raw umber, green earth and shades of gray. Black was used to denote the universe and white to add light to the earth tones.
The painting is varnished with three coats of permanent varnish to protect the light fast paint. As the final step, a removable coat of varnish was applied to protect the permanent varnish. This painting is part one of a five part series. Following pieces are showcased in photos. If you are interested in other pieces from this series, please contact us.
Dimensions:
40.25” W x 1.75” D x 30” H
The Creation of Eve (after Michelangelo) by local artist Nicholas Portanova
Acrylic, leather and wood on a gallery wrapped canvas, unframed, 2025
Artist Statement
“The Creation of Eve” is a modern view ofMichelangelo’s magnum opus on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In his painting, Eve is being created by God from the body of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Eve rises fully formed and ready to take her place in the garden.
In my painting, Eve is unformed and unshaped,not in a garden but in outer space. She exists in the far reaches of the universe as the first woman, the first mother and the parent to us all. She is the beginning of humanity and provides our first taste of nourishment and knowledge.
On the left of the painting God’s hand stretches out to touch her arm which gives life to Eve. She rises in the center while the lower body of Adam is seen on the right. Eve rises to take her place on the small blue planet behind her but must first push herself out of Adam. She struggles out while being formed and shows her determination to fulfill her place in the grand scheme.
The colors of the painting are earth tones such as red ocher, raw umber, green earth and shades of gray. Black was used to denote the universe and white to add light to the earth tones.
The painting is varnished with three coats of permanent varnish to protect the light fast paint. As the final step, a removable coat of varnish was applied to protect the permanent varnish. This painting is part one of a five part series. Following pieces are showcased in photos. If you are interested in other pieces from this series, please contact us.
Dimensions:
40.25” W x 1.75” D x 30” H
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