Leo and Virgo
Leo and Virgo by Spanish Painter Luis Ricardo Falero (1851 – 1896); a Spanish painter specializing in female nudes with an emphasis on mythological, oriental and fantasy themes, which he skillfully combined with his interest in Astronomy, incorporating celestial constellations into many of his artistic creations.
This is an enchanting fantasy nude black and white artwork of a male lion peering through the darkness of space, up to a young lady with long flowing hair that is looking down at the lion, as she caress her left breast with her left hand, while holding a portion of her hair in her outstretched right hand.
Behind her is another young lady in side profile with her hands folded over her just; and the are both illuminated by bright cosmic light in the background.
This is a retouched digital art old masters reproduction of a public domain image.
Info Below Derived Wikipedia.org
Falero was born in Granada and originally pursued a career in the Spanish Navy, but gave it up to his parents disappointment; as he decided to travel to Paris, where he studied art, chemistry and mechanical engineering.
During is studies in chemistry and mechanical engineering; he considered the experiments which he had to conduct too dangerous, thus leading him to focus his attention on painting alone.
As a result he became a student of French Portrait Painter and Orientalist Gabriel-Joseph-Marie-Augustin Ferrier (1847 – 1914). After Paris, he moved to London, where he continued his studies, and eventually settled.
Falero had a particular interest in astronomy and incorporated celestial constellations into many of his works, such as “The Marriage of a Comet” and “Twin Stars”. His interest and knowledge of astronomy also led him to illustrate the works of Camille Flammarion.
In 1896, the year of his death, Maud Harvey sued Falero for paternity. The suit alleged that Falero seduced Harvey when she was 17, first serving as his housemaid, and then his model. When he discovered she was pregnant, he dismissed her.
She won the case and was awarded five shillings per week in support of their child. Falero died at University College Hospital, London, at the age of 45
