Sunbather, Mykonos

Unframed
41 x 47 cm / 16 x 19 in

Framed
62 x 69 cm / 25 x 27 in

Oil on board
2023
Signed lower right

A private collection, New York

Sunbather, Mykonos was inspired by the ancient Greek love poem written by Pindar, which was described by the scholar Magnus Hirschfeld as "one of the most perfect love songs in the Greek language." Pindar tells how the son of Hagesilas could make him “melt like the wax of holy bees stung by the sun’s heat."

Evoking a still from a cinema screen, late afternoon light saturates this breathtaking and intriguing Greek scene, dominated by a handsome blonde sunbather who possesses the physique of a young Greek god.

Watson has masterfully created a compelling sense of tension and mystery within the painting's calm stillness. The shadow of a man wearing a baseball cap, with his arms crossed behind him faces the sunbather. The shadow is perhaps symbolic of a past lover, or admirer of the painting's central subject.

Set high overlooking the Aegean sea, this exceptional, superbly painted work illustrates a compelling and moving contemporary love story.

Available for immediate release
Price is inclusive of complimentary global shipping and insurance.

"I have been a proud collector of Ross' paintings for many years. His art is astounding in its beauty, emotion, and reverence for our humanity and the world we live in. His attention to the smallest details, and use of light, dark and colour, rivals art's greatest masters."
James J. O'Donnell, Patron, art collector, NYC

"We are loving our new acquisition and we know that 'Nathan, view to Florence' will bring us endless years of joy. Thanks for sharing your talent. We love your work so keep it up!"
Paul Zahra and Duncan Peerman, Sydney

"As avid art collectors we are very proud to have Ross' stunningly handsome work in our collection. His art brings us great joy and we love to share his work with our friends and visitors. We were absolutely thrilled to recently add 'Two Soldiers' to our collection."
Christopher Cosier & Chris Webber, Sydney

"I purchased the original painting 10 years ago at your gallery during Mardi Gras and it has given me enormous pleasure ever since. I remember standing in the gallery for a couple of hours wondering if I should buy it. I have never regretted that decision."
Jon Anderson and Lance Johnson, Palm Springs

"Your art hanging around our home provides us with such pleasure, and we can’t wait for A-Bay to join the Ross Watson family."
Haydon Elliot and Greg Moses, Melbourne