Olga’s Revenge
A reflection of female image, power, and revenge, as rarely portrayed through history.
Based on historical events, this painting is a representative illustration of Saint Olga of Kiev’s revenge-tour upon the Drevlians after they murdered her husband (Igor of Kiev). Her countless sins were overlooked and she was canonized as the first Russian Saint for adopting and converting her subjects to Orthodox Christianity.
Within this painting, there is a thin balance between image and reality in how Olga’s character is depicted. Under the arch boarder, Olga’s appears to be ruthless through carrying out her four violent acts of revenge. In contrast to the floral background elements and religious effigy, Olga’s tone softens as a more gentle, feminine, and holy leader. However by using unconventional colour schemes for flesh, Olga’s character transforms to a female icon that is beyond human, time, and mortality.