Carl J. Samson, Padme Resplendent with Naboo Mandala
24" x 20", Oil with 22 & 23K gold leaf background
on rare 1930s era chestnut panel
Collection of George Lucas
“When I first saw images of Natalie Portman dressed
in her burgundy cut velvet robe from Revenge of the Sith,
I was at once taken with the possibility of juxtaposing her
lovely profile and gown against the brilliance of gold leaf.
As Queen of Naboo and mother of Luke Skywalker, it occurred
to me that from a modern perspective, visual and narrative
parallels could be drawn between Padme Amidala and the great
icon images of Byzantium and later historical periods.
Since I have also admired the visually pleasing combination
of naturalism and decoratively incised gold leaf exhibited
in many late 19th and early 20th century paintings, I chose
to depict Padme in a similar way. Though, in place of the
typical circular halo, I have incised the mandala, or orbital
path, of her native planet, Naboo.” -- Carl J. Samson |