Arachne ~ Original Surreal Shell Portrait with Venus Comb Murex

Arachne ~ Original Surreal Shell Portrait with Venus Comb Murex
Original pencil illustration by Carmen Delprat, 2023. Framed.
 
Arachne is an original shell portrait, a fine pencil illustration exploring archetypal form, natural structure and rhythmic line movement. It is named for Arachne of Greek myth, the weaver whose skill was so great she challenged a goddess, and it carries themes of craft, creativity and defiance.
 
The figure is presented with a quiet, grounded gaze, visually intertwined with shell-like 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
- Medium: Original pencil illustration on University Mixed Media Paper (300gsm)
- Size: 72 cm x 56 cm
- Year: 2023
- Framing: 3cm white frame with 7cm white mount board
- Shell featured: Venus comb murex (Murex pecten)
- Signed by the artist 
- Signed Certificate of Authenticity included
- Ships from Newcastle, NSW, Australia-wide and internationally
 
Colour Palette
Black
Deep cobalt green
Juniper green
Turquoise
Light cadmium yellow
Magenta
Deep red
Deep Vermilion
Ultramarine blue
 
 
Perfect For
Contemporary homes
Coastal interiors
Luxury apartments
Boutique accommodation
Collectors of Australian art
 
Certificate of Authenticity
Every original artwork and limited edition print by Carmen Delprat is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
The certificate confirms the title of the artwork, year of creation, edition number (where applicable), medium and dimensions, and serves as a permanent record of authenticity.