In Swimming withPersephone we catch the raven-haired beauty amongst her secret pool. She isnaked, surrounded by lush vegetation, and an exotic red hibiscus symbolizingpassion and growth. In the background a cool water fall flows symbolizingreflection and the course of time. Persephone is enveloped in shadow, buthighlighted by the light illuminating from beyond the fall.

As the daughter ofZeus and Demeter, the harvest-goddess, Persephone was abducted by Hades and becomequeen of the underworld. Here we find Persephone in the ripeness of summer, forshe is known to be a vegetation goddess. When she is taken for her annualsabbatical back to the underworld to live with Hades the god of the dead,Demeter will mourn and winter will come.

The atmosphere of this painting is oneof allure and mystery. It was painted using classical techniques for the figureand more atmospheric post-impressionist techniques for the landscape.