Romantic Rebellions
Daniela Anghel
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D. ANGHEL WWW.DANGHEL.COM
Front Cover: “Snowland” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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ICAC
International Confederation of Art Critics
“Luisa Todi” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas 4
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“The Three Graces” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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Contents
The Artist
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“Creative Confrontations” Timothy Warrington, International Confederation of Art Critics
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“When Is A Still Life A Still Life?” Timothy Warrington, International Confederation of Art Critics
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“Romantic Rebellions” Peter Gagliardi, Chianciano Art Museum Curator
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“Surrealist Suggestions” Karen Lappon, International Confederation of Art Critics
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List Of Works
85-87
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“Banquet at the monastery” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Leisure” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Banquet” By D. Angel Oil on canvas Previous Pages: “Banquet” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas “Banquet Detail” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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D. Anghel with artwork “Huambo Market” Oil on canvas
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The Artist
D. Anghel’s style is unique and the works feature monumental dimensions: the objects and figures that “inhabit” the suspended bodies turn D. Anghel’s work into an idiosyncratic place that awakens the vision. The image in the painting is structured as an “against-inside” movement that appears as the limit (de)constructed by bodies that reveal distances beyond the possibility of touching the visible; in other words, the drama of an open and closed space at the same time. So, the painting demands an infinite transformation method, perpetually creating a distance from and towards proximity constructed through the fold. D. Anghel studied painting and engraving techniques in the studios of great masters from Romania, Portugal, Israel, Germany and Russia. She graduated from the Fine Art Faculty of the Lisbon University in 2004. D. Anghel worked and lived in Romania, Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, Russia and Angola, where she has been living for the past 4 years.
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“Mona Lisa Revisited” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Final Judgement” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Damascus Roses” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas, (with details)
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Creative Confrontations
Daniela Anghel is an artist that paints along the boundaries of conceptual, experimental and traditional art through an exquisite style that is as Baroque as it is contemporary and as Avant Garde as it is classical. The viewer encounters a surprising wealth of history, ideas and profound thought captured by a gripping, powerful and evocative hand. Hundreds of years of tradition are deconstructed, interpreted and masterfully recomposed into unique and compelling artworks that test and teach the meaning of art in all its wonder. The philosophical ideas behind Anghel’s work are nearly as remarkable as the execution itself. She is able to eloquently communicate her dissatisfaction with current artistic trends while conceiving staggering paintings that fulfil all the contemporary needs for innovation and novelty albeit without betraying the seeds and roots so painstakingly laid by the creative genius that preceded her. Parts of Angel’s expressive process are themselves a form of rebellion against current artistic output, or lack of, embracing what can be considered as true art. She approaches painting as a means to express and convey emotions and philosophies through a cultivated, refined and intricate style that radiates quality, talent and endless research.
Timothy Warrington International Confederation of Art Critics
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“Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter’s soul“ Vincent Van Gogh
“Works Of Mercy Clothe The Naked” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas 22
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Top: ”Holy Spirit Made In China” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Bottom: “Arab Beauty” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas 24
When Is A Still Life A Still Life?
Anghel utilises the symbolic meaning of the still life, an art form that has been neglected but also devastated by modern ideas, as a provocation to viewer. Once a sacred and loved art form, from the renaissance to Van Gogh and the Victorian Era, it has seen a sharp decline in appreciation, artistic integrity and sophistication. In fact, the art market itself has neglected the Still Life in recent years due to minimal demand from collectors as a whole. However, the symbol is strong and the message is clear in that the Still Life represents an inherent academic and intellectual quality that is objective and tangible. It is this indisputable and indispensable requirement of skill and talent, also integral to Anghel’s work, that is arguably absent in too many forms of modern art and installation. Art and artistic ability have been somewhat disconnected as the latter is, paradoxically, no longer a necessity in the conception of so called art. The Still Life, the culmination of solitary artistic study, contains a powerful meaning in the context of Anghel’s work and perhaps been reinvented by this artist although without the will to alter its intellectual foundations. A new energy and meaning are intended to highlight the inadequacies of today’s art forum albeit without attempting to challenge art itself, rather Anghel underlines the connection between her creations and art history while emphasising the distance between art history and much of contemporary art. A distinction based on talent, thought, research, execution and undeniable genius. Anghel has utilised the Still Life’s embedded roots but juxtaposed its identity into a new concept that incorporates the narrative aspect of religious art with the idea of discovering silent and static beauty by painting an object through an intense investigation of form. She has changed the rules
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“Raw Chocolate” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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When Is A Still Life A Still Life?
with regards to compositional approaches expected from distinct artistic models with the magnification of immense attention to detail usually reserved for much smaller and simpler types of work. The fluidity, depth and light that emanates and is captured in so many of Anghel’s paintings conveys a superbly modern approach to subject matter while, in contrast, the detail required to embark and execute artworks of such strength utilising chiaroscuro, an infinitely elegant colour pallette and sublime brush strokes has a profound impact on the viewer. It is doubtless that no such vision and penetrative portrayal of what art is, and what art ought to be, would be possible without such skillful technical skills and magnificent artistic vision. The intellectual challenge brought forward by Daniela Anghel is significant in that it questions the purpose of art as a means of communication while simultaneously representing the polar opposite of many aspects of contemporary art. Anghel is an artist whose versatility and sublime talent offers her the priceless ability to choose an artform and invent a new direction. The infinite creativity and instinctive gift to freely and eloquently juxtapose a wide variety and range of artistic experiments onto one canvas is exceptional, not to mention rare. We encounter a sensationally unique mind that can confidently and effectively draw a direct comparison from Picasso to Caravaggio whilst communicating the fragile and delicate nature of art by skillfully and fabulously utilising distorted imagery that conveys a sense of time, elegance and depth that is as inventive as it is gripping.
Timothy Warrington International Confederation of Art Critics
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“Temptation” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Surrender” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Becoming Saint John The Baptist” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas (with details)
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Top: “Fisherman” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Right: “Snowland” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Previous Page: “Social Realism” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas 34
“Surrealism is not a movement. It is a latent state of mind perceivable through the powers of dream and nightmare” Salvador Dalí
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Romantic Rebellions
Ideas of rebellion conveyed through concurrent artistic philosophies are a central theme of Anghel’s work in that she essentially utilises her superior artistic capabilities to communicate and affirm the point that not all art is the same. Rebellion does not however negate romanticism and a deep rooted sense of poetic beauty remains an intrinsic characteristic of her work, regardless of the complex subject matters and demanding issues tackled. The parallels that can be drawn through art history are endless and an interesting example are the Pre-Raphaelites. The likes of Burne Jones, Lord Leighton and Dante Gabriel Rossetti idealised the female figure and expended significant energy into the creation of the perfect portrait. In the late 19th Century, these artists moved away from artistic forms related to expected norms and developed a comparatively modern style whilst reinventing certain aspects of the Renaissance. Anghel can be said to have an equally exciting evolutionary journey, however, she has the rare ability to conceive and transmit romance in the most difficult and challenging contexts. Anghel is an artist that uses a meticulous and elegant delicate style to create monumental paintings that are enriched with profound creative vivacity and compelling artistic integrity.
Peter Gagliardi Chianciano Art Museum Curator
Opposite: “Pink Rococo� By D. Anghel Oil on canvas 37
“Holy Ghost The Father” By D. Anghel (engraving) Oil on canvas
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“Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art� Leonardo da Vinci
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“Works Of Mercy Visit The Sick” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas 40
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“Dutch Window” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Previous Page: “Initiation”, 2003 By D. Anghel 44
“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen� Leonardo Da Vinci
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“Works Of Mercy Giving Drink To The Thirsty” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Opposite: Detail of “Works Of Mercy Giving Drink To The Thirsty” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Previous Page: “Pieta” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas 48
Surrealist Suggestions
D. Anghel is not a typical artist and upon primary viewing of her work the link with the subconscious dimensions of her mind are highly distinguishable. She experiments with touches of surrealism and still life as well as more traditional artistic methods allowing for the conception of complex paintings that are uniquely classical and in the same instance avante garde. The artist’s personal style is able to instantly capture the spectator’s interest through boldness of colour and powerful movement combined with expressive and very fine brushwork. The artwork is highly distinctive and the artist is wonderfully talented and holds exceptional skill. Anghel connects surrealism with other aspects of art history, the Renaissance and the Victorian era are combined in paintings where people and objects are indiscriminate. The artist creates paintings within paintings in compositions that are presented as still lifes of magical dreams. The artist has created an intellectually stimulating unique style of painting that amalgamates art history and expresses her mind powerfully and creatively. Anghel’s artwork consists of very fine brushstrokes and evocative hues making her paintings extremely dramatic and vigorous. In fact, the compositions provoke intrigue in the viewer, conveying an affinity with nature and life as well as fantasy, an attribute that correlates well in numerous works.
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“Renaissance” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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Surrealist Suggestions
Anghel quite literally draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci, particularly with her paintings “Mona Lisa Revisited” and “Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci” as well as the Renaissance, from which she has been significantly inspired. The artist transports the spectator back to the 15th Century whilst maintaining a modern vision in creating a balance and sense of individual innovation to her paintings. Parallels can be drawn between Anghel and Titian as well as Michelangelo in relation to use of colour and the creative process seen in the work. One can also claim an evident inspiration taken from Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst in regards to the tecnical approach used by Anghel. The artist, quite remarkably, reinvents elements from art history with her own artistic approach creating diverse and exquisite artworks, captivating the observer and leaving them touched. The paintings are experiments of shape and movement balanced on the delicate ideas that bound the gentle emotions that transmit hidden romantic and poetic messages. The effect formed by the complementary colours is stunning and their strong impact on the eye is absolutely powerful and breathtaking. The spectator can experience the thought process of being enthralled by the artist’s way of expression which translates into how Anghel views the world, she tells a story in her artwork making each artistic conception intriguing and eloquent. There is an enormous regard to tradition in her paintings, she touches upon the juxtaposition of culture and complex social matters, this radiates through the paintings and creates the message in the artwork. The regard and interest in the world and rich influences from global cultures undoubtedly derives from the background of the artist who has experiences a wide variety of different traditions and environments. Anghel has a broad understanding of the world, and a naturally inquisitive personality and unrivaled skill to communicate her thoughts and creative conceptions.
Karen Lappon International Confederation of Art Critics
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Above: “Contemplation Of Byzantium (Catholic Body)” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Opposite: “Odd Nerdrum” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Cherry Tree Out Of Blossom II” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Opposite: “Cherry Tree Out Of Blossom I” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Previous Page: “Attributed To Leonardo Da Vinci” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Leningrad” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Creativity is that marvelous capacity to grasp mutually distinct realities and draw a spark from their juxtaposition� Max Ernst
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“Huambo Market” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Reserved Land” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“An artist does his most difficult work when he steps back from the blank canvas and thinks about what he is going to create” Michelangelo
Opposite: “Paula Rego” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Previous Page: “Country Life” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Amalia Rodrigues” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Works Of Mercy Bear Patiently Those Who Wrong Us “ By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Qatar Airways” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
“Diana The Goddess Of The Hunt” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas Opposite: “Dyrup Paints” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas 68
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“Sophia De Melo Breyner” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Lilies” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Desert Ship” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Banquet” (bottom) with detail (top) By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Salon Conversations” (top) with detail (bottom) By D. Anghel Oil on canvas 75
“Business Opportunities“ By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Cherry Trees Out Of Blossom Iii” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“The Three Graces” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
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“Works Of Mercy Visit The Imprisoned” By D. Agnhel Oil on canvas Next Page: “Thirst” By D. Agnhel Oil on canvas
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“President Eduardo Dos Santos Portrait” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
“Choi Man Hin and Wife Portrait” By D. Anghel Oil on canvas
The President of Portugal Jorge Sampaio his portrait and Daniela Anghel
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The Patrons of Art From the Medici Family the great Renaissance Princes to modern mecenate Daniela Anghel is not only internationally recognised by art critics, curators and experts but is also highly regarded by modern influential benefactors and political leaders, who are essentially the contemporary equivalents of the great renaissance families such as the Strozzi Princes, the Borgia and the Fugger family. Anghel has received commissions from President Jorge Sampaio of Portugal, a great believer of her talent, and the President of Angola, Eduardo Dos Santos. Anghel’s work is also admired by the the leaders of business and one of her portraits is exhibited in the home of Choi Man Hin, a pioneer in the business ties between China and Portugal. Anghel takes us back to the golden age of art and history, her work rediscovers the ideas of the Renaissance and Baroque. She allows us to return to the past albeit, with her talent, she conceives an intriguing link with movements of the 19th Century with a complexity that enthuses that enriches the culture of the viewer. As confirmed by art curators of the highest calibre such as Peter Gagliardi, the intricate connections in Anghel’s work inspire a love for art that is reminiscent of times past. Ancient feelings, always rarer, are present, not only in Anghel’s work but also in her private life where her family is a fundamentally important aspect of her being and, consequently, of her art.
Daniela Anghel with Her Parents Left: Medici Crest | Right: Fugger Crest
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Peter Gagliardi with Daniela Anghel during the london art biennale
Jose Van Roy Dali with Daniela Anghel
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List Of Works
Title
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“Luisa Todi” Oil on canvas
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“The Three Graces” Oil on canvas
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“Banquet at the monatery” Oil on canvas
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“Leisure” Oil on canvas
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“Banquet” Oil on canvas
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“Mona Lisa Revisited” Oil on canvas
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“Final Judgement” Oil on canvas
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“Damascus Roses” Oil on canvas
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“Works Of Mercy Clothe The Naked” Oil on canvas
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”Holy Spirit Made In China” Oil on canvas
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“Arab Beauty” Oil on canvas
24-25
“Raw Chocolate” Oil on canvas
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“Temptation” Oil on canvas
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“Surrender” Oil on canvas
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“Becoming Saint John The Baptist” Oil on canvas
30-31
“Social Realism” Oil on canvas
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“Fisherman” Oil on canvas
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“Snowland” Oil on canvas
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“Pink Rococo” Oil on canvas
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“Holy Ghost The Father” (Engraving) Oil on canvas
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List Of Works
“Works Of Mercy Visit The Sick” Oil on canvas
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“Initiation” , 2003
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“Dutch Window” Oil on canvas “Pieta” Oil on canvas
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“Works Of Mercy Giving Drink To The Thirsty” Oil on canvas
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“Renaissance” Oil on canvas
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“Contemplation Of Byzantium (Catholic Body)” Oil on canvas
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“Odd Nerdrum” Oil on canvas
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“Attributed To Leonardo Da Vinci” Oil on canvas
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“Cherry Tree Out Of Blossom II” Oil on canvas
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“Cherry Tree Out Of Blossom I” Oil on canvas
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“Leningrad” Oil on canvas
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“Huambo Market” Oil on canvas
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“Reserved Land” Oil on canvas
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“Country Life” Oil on canvas
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“Paula Rego” Oil on canvas
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“Amalia Rodrigues” Oil on canvas
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“Works Of Mercy Bear Patiently Those Who Wrong Us” Oil on canvas
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“Qatar Airways” Oil on canvas
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“Diana The Goddess Of The Hunt” Oil on canvas
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List Of Works
“Dyrup Paints” Oil on canvas
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“Sophia De Melo Breyner” Oil on canvas
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“Lilies” Oil on canvas
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“Desert Ship” Oil on canvas
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“Banquet” Oil on canvas
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“Salon Conversations” Oil on canvas
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“Business Opportunities“ Oil on canvas
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“Cherry Trees Out Of Blossom III” B Oil on canvas
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“The Three Graces” Oil on canvas
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“Works Of Mercy Visit The Imprisoned” Oil on canvas
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“Thirst” Oil on canvas
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“President Eduardo Dos Santos Portrait” Oil on canvas
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“Choi Man Hin And Wife Portrait” Oil on canvas
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ICAC
International Confederation of Art Critics
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International Confederation Art Crtitics www.international-confederation-art-critics.org