Infanta

oil on canvas
by Pantelis Melissinos
Athens 1985

Infanta by Pantelis Melissinos reimagines the royal portrait with bold, playful irreverence.

The figure recalls the ceremonial elegance of a Spanish princess, yet her face is fractured, exaggerated, and emotionally charged, moving far beyond traditional courtly beauty.

The sharp profile, intense blue eyes, painted cheeks, pearls, and floral dress create a theatrical presence, while the distorted mouth and mask-like features introduce tension, humour, and psychological unease.

The word “INFANTA” at the top gives the image an almost poster-like force, turning aristocratic identity into a vivid visual symbol.

With its bright yellows, blues, greens, and expressive black outlines, the painting blends echoes of Picasso, folk art, and modern expressionism.

Through this witty and energetic transformation, Melissinos turns Infanta into a critique of image, status, inherited roles, costume, fantasy, and inner disturbance.