Arachne

Arachne ~ Surreal Venus Comb Murex Limited Edition Art Print
Hand-Signed, Limited Collector Canvas & Studio Editions
Pencil Illustration. 
 
Artwork description
 
Arachne is a limited edition shell portrait print by Australian artist Carmen Delprat, reproduced from her original 2023 pencil illustration. It explores archetypal form, natural structure and rhythmic line movement, and is named for Arachne of Greek myth, the weaver whose skill was so great she challenged a goddess.
 
The figure is presented with a quiet, grounded gaze, visually intertwined with shell forms that introduce sculptural balance within the composition. The gesture references natural architectural patterns found in organic structures, allowing strength and fluidity to coexist within the same visual language.
 
Executed through layered pencil work and refined tonal development, the illustration builds depth through controlled shading and precise line detail. The chromatic surface allows form, contrast and shadow to define presence and atmosphere.
 
Emerald tonal accents introduce visual richness while maintaining compositional restraint. The colour palette suggests natural vitality without overpowering the delicate detail of the drawing.
 
About the Venus comb murex
The Venus comb murex (Murex pecten) is named for Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty, said to have used its long, fine spines as a comb for her hair. Those slender spines also echo the legs of a spider, which links the shell to Arachne, the weaver of Greek myth. Woven around the figure, the shell becomes both natural architecture and a symbol of beauty, skill and craft.
 
Arachne is designed as an intimate, contemplative work, suited to interiors seeking quiet visual strength and refined atmospheric presence.
 
Details
- Edition: Limited to 100 per size, hand-signed and numbered
- Available as: Fine art paper and collector canvas editions
- Shell featured: Venus comb murex (Murex pecten)
- Original artwork: Pencil illustration on paper, 72 cm x 56 cm, 2023
- The artwork behind my collaboration with MINI (link to the MINI page)
- Also available as the Arachne Art Scarf 
- Part of my Shell Portraits series
 
 
SELECT YOUR SIZE
Size
Fine Art Paper
Collector Canvas
A3
—
—
A2
$300
$600
A1
$500
$900
A0
$700
$1,500
XL
—
$2,200
Fine Art Paper Editions
Printed on 310gsm 100% cotton rag, a museum-quality archival paper selected for its refined texture, depth and longevity.
 
The softly textured surface becomes part of the artwork, allowing subtle shifts in light and colour while retaining exceptional detail.
 
A considered white border supports professional archival framing and presentation.
Created for collectors who value material integrity, craftsmanship and lasting presence.
 
Collector Canvas Editions
Conceived as object-based artworks, each canvas edition is produced using archival pigment inks on fine-art cotton canvas to preserve the depth and vibrancy of the original artwork.
 
Each canvas is hand-stretched over kiln-dried New Zealand pine and finished with a museum-grade protective coating.
 
Physical Editions Only
Carmen Delprat's limited editions are produced exclusively as physical fine art paper and canvas editions. No NFTs, digital editions or digital reproductions are created or sold.
 
For Collectors
Collectors Circle members receive exclusive early access, private previews and selected collector privileges.
Enquire to join the Collector Circle.