This is How the Devil Talks

Devil Talk. Let me talk over your left shoulder

Devil talk, a concept presented in the painting “Temptation Let Me Talk Over Your Left Shoulder”. This evocative piece, measuring 11 by 14 inches, oil on canvas in 2010, creatively draws inspiration from the legacy of Belgian artist Felicien Rops (1833-1898), with a focus on the theme of temptation—a recurrent subject in Rops’s work. The unique perspective of temptation speaking over a young woman’s left shoulder offers a modern twist that honours his influence.

Félicien Rops was one of the most significant Belgian artists of the 19th century. He was praised by Baudelaire and gained international fame as a designer and printmaker. Rops established journals and artist societies and explored various printmaking techniques. His upbringing included rigorous training in both visual and literary fields. He attended prestigious institutions like the Académie de Namur in Namur, Belgium.

After studying at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, he became entrenched in the art and social scene of his time. Although married early in life, Rops spent his later years in Paris with the Duluc sisters, with whom he had a daughter, Claire. His legacy endures through his vast body of work and contributions to the art world.

The original painting and prints are available for purchase at Saatchi Art.

From BEYOND EROS: WORKS BY FÉLICIEN ROPS IN THE MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM