The Engagement by Cassandra Christensen Barney.

 

At first glance, the viewer is drawn to the rich imagery and color of Cassandra Christensen Barney’s Fine Art Limited Editions. One of the staples of Barney’s exquisite portraiture is her ability to layer her work with rich symbolism. The Engagement explores concepts of promise, commitment and hope. The uncaged bird chooses to offer a gift, presenting our heroine with a poppy—which is both beautiful and fragile. Within the poppy is a ring, the symbol of eternity and a flame, symbolizing desire. There are also a pair of poppies entwined and waiting to blossom. Influenced by art of the 16th century, artist Cassandra loves the narrative aspect of portraits. Each of her truly unique paintings is a frank, compelling and often mysterious portrait of the “muses” of our daily lives.The feminine charms of her characters have captured the attention of the sophisticated fine art collector.

 

Canvas released 2005.