
I am Opelia Ardent — a lifelong devotee of the Baroque era's bold beauty, dramatic contrasts, and unapologetic grandeur. For over a decade, I have immersed myself in the world of 17th-century European art, curating a personal collection that reflects my fascination with light, shadow, and the complex emotions woven into every canvas and sculpture of the period.
I am Opelia Ardent — a lifelong devotee of the Baroque era's bold beauty, dramatic contrasts, and unapologetic grandeur. For over a decade, I have immersed myself in the world of 17th-century European art, curating a personal collection that reflects my fascination with light, shadow, and the complex emotions woven into every canvas and sculpture of the period.
Originally from Maastricht, a city steeped in history and quiet elegance, I began painting at the age of fifteen — a discovery that quickly became a lifelong devotion. I later refined my practice at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Utrecht, where I deepened my understanding of classical techniques and the dramatic traditions of European masters. Now with over a decade of experience, my work continues to be shaped by this early passion and the rich artistic heritage of the Netherlands, which I still call home.
My artistic vision is profoundly shaped by the sweeping arc of European art from the 15th to the 18th century — from the luminous devotion of early Renaissance altarpieces to the theatrical grandeur of High Baroque masterpieces. I draw inspiration from the chiaroscuro of Caravaggio, the sensual realism of Titian, the sacred drama of Rubens, and the quiet intensity of Dutch Golden Age painters. This era's masterful interplay of light, emotion, and storytelling forms the foundation of my aesthetic: rich textures, moody palettes, and compositions that aim to stir both reverence and reflection.
I work primarily with oil on linen and wood panel — timeless surfaces that allow for the depth, richness, and slow layering that my process demands. I mix my own pigments when possible, favoring earthy, historical tones that echo the palettes of the Old Masters. Gold leaf, natural varnishes, and hand-ground gesso often find their way into my pieces, not as decoration, but as an extension of the reverence I hold for traditional techniques. Every brushstroke is deliberate, every surface prepared with care, as I seek to bridge the sensuality of the past with the stillness of the present.