The Dancer

© Sue Ellen Parkinson

Original – Acrylic on Wood, SOLD

Prints – 13”x 19,” $65

For centuries the Roma (gypsy people) have made an annual pilgrimage to a village on the Southern shore of France, Sainte Marie de la Mer. There, they celebrate their Patron Saint, Black Sara. In a huge procession, a statue of Sara (who is considered a Black Madonna) is carried down to the sea, where she is washed in wine, and honey. The horses bow to her, the musicians play, and the people dance in celebration. In this painting I imagined the dancer embodying her Patron Saint.