Normally, the royal court commissions portraits of the royals. However, for artist Juan Antonio Romero, it was the other way around. The Spanish royal family served as the inspiration for his latest work, in which Princess Sofía plays a special role.
With the words, “I have completed my watercolor series ‘Very Real Interpretations,'” artist Juan Antonio Romero announced that he now wants to exhibit his viral paintings of the Spanish royal family for free. His paintings are “interpretations of masterpieces of painting in which members of the Spanish royal family are integrated.” Queen Letizia, 52, was transformed into “Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland” by painter John Singer Sargent. Princess Leonor, 19, had the honor of being depicted as “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Jan Vermeer. However, it is Princess Sofía, 17, who was chosen for the most famous artwork of all: the Mona Lisa.
Princess Sofía of Spain Radiates Warmth as the Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci created a Renaissance masterpiece with his Mona Lisa. The painting is distinguished by its precise depiction of light and shadow, as well as the mystery of the subject’s smile. Standing in front of the painting, it almost seems as if the Mona Lisa is looking at the viewer from all angles, as if she has the entire world in her gaze. To this day, it remains one of the most popular and valuable works of art—making it a great honor for Princess Sofía to have been chosen as the muse for this reinterpretation.
Juan Antonio Romero painted Sofía as a watercolor portrait—a reinterpretation of the classic artwork that aims to connect past and present. One key difference from the original is the expression on the young infanta’s face. Sofía smiles and gazes warmly into the world. The ornamentation on her dress hints at the Spanish royal house, with the fleur-de-lis symbol representing the House of Bourbon. With this watercolor painting, the artist seeks to pay tribute to the young princess, who will celebrate her 18th birthday next year, as he revealed in the caption of his Instagram post.
