Introducing "Janara" (variation on the High Priestess card), oil on canvas, 80 x 80 cm, 2024. Janara is a Southern Italian regional term for a witch, originating from the Campania region, specifically around Benevento. It likely evolved from the word dianara, referring to worshipers of the goddess Diana, which makes sense since Italian naturally does not use the letter J.
Janare di Benevento, or witches of Benevento, is also a legend describing witch sabbaths, dating back to at least the 13th century. This story later spread, and parts of it can even be found in forced inquisitorial "confessions" in Northern Italy in the 15th century, where elements that appeared in 14th century Campania reappeared.
This painting represents a deep connection between history and mysticism, which you can discover at the exhibition in Prague in October. If any of my friends, collectors, and followers would like to receive the sales portfolio before the exhibition, please message me your email, and once the portfolio is ready, I will gladly send it to you!
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