Superhero sommelier

This new oil painting is part of my latest series exploring whimsical French archetypes through a playful, surrealist lens. The subject—a “superhero sommelier” draped in grape leaves—blends humor, cultural homage, and imaginative storytelling. Inspired by the rich viticultural heritage of France, particularly the romanticized figure of the sommelier, this character is reimagined as a larger-than-life guardian of wine, tradition, and sensory pleasure. Cloaked in grape leaves like a mythic forest spirit, he is both comic and regal, embodying the elegance and eccentricity of French wine culture.

This piece is the first in a series celebrating uniquely French figures, rendered with the same reverence and flair one might afford a comic book hero or a folk legend. The use of oil paint allows for rich textures and a classical finish, grounding the whimsical concept in a traditional medium. Viewers are encouraged to look beyond the costume and see the character as a tribute to the passion, craft, and rituals that define French identity. More paintings in this series will follow in the coming days, each revealing a different fantastical persona. Be sure to check out the real-time videos in the slides for a glimpse into the process behind the paint—brushstroke by brushstroke.

41cmx51 cm

not framed