Dolly after Botticelli (Tennessee Transcendental) by A.E. Rochelle - 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle
A.E. Rochelle is a modern neoclassical artist and art historian working and living in her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. Rochelle received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Art History from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, Maryland in 2013. Further enriching her understanding of art, she pursued studies in Italian Renaissance Art History and Painting Conservation at the Studio Art Centers International (SACI) in Florence, Italy. This immersion in classical techniques and historical context profoundly shaped her artistic perspective, fostering a deep appreciation for the Old Masters while also fueling her desire to blend Renaissance art styles with new mediums and abstract principles.
Rochelle's artwork is characterized by a compelling interplay between traditional draftsmanship and experimental abstraction. She masterfully blends the methodological approach and subject matter of the Old Masters with modern sensibilities, creating a unique visual language. Her work often explores the "duality of meaning and image," a theme that manifests in various forms, often combining classical beauty with the mundane and dissonant. This perspective is sublimely related in "Dolly after Botticelli (Tennessee Transcendental)" (2022, Watercolor, gouache, and pen on watercolor paper, 23" x 29"). Rochelle reimagines Botticelli's "Primavera" (a complex and richly symbolic work, populated by figures drawn from classical mythology) through the lens of Southern pop culture - using the iconic figure of Dolly Parton as her central muse. This piece explores the complex duality of the South, juxtaposing its aspirations with its problematic history.
Seven representations of Dolly, each embodying a different allegorical figure, populate the scene. Mercury, on the far left, lassos a rainbow colored in the hues of the Progress Flag, symbolizing inclusivity. The Three Graces represent Dolly at different stages of her life, while Venus, adorned with butterflies, suggests metamorphosis. Flora generously distributes books and music, highlighting Dolly's philanthropic efforts. At her feet, kudzu withers, giving way to native flora, representing positive change. However, Chloris, dressed in the American flag, is pursued by a kudzu-entwined monster, a symbol of the dangers of both monoculture and white nationalism, casting a shadow over the otherwise idyllic scene. Through this intricate composition, Rochelle uses Dolly Parton as an allegory, examining the South's potential for progress while acknowledging the persistent challenges it faces.
A.E. Rochelle's art has been showcased in various galleries, including the Meyerhoff and Decker Galleries at MICA, and the Jules Maidoff Palazzo in Florence during her study abroad. She has also participated in group shows in Baltimore, MD and Knoxville, TN. Her professional experience extends beyond her own art, as she has worked as an Exhibition Design Technician at the Knoxville Museum of Art, and has also worked as a Painting Restoration Technician.
• 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
• Finished Puzzle Size: 19.25" x 26.625"
• 100% Recycled .069 pt ESKA blueboard backing
• Matte Finish to reduce glare
• Recommended Age: 13+ Years