The curve of the two heads traces a heart. A second takes shape in the crook of their necks, held in the small space their closeness creates. At the edge of the painting an apple still hangs from its bough. It recalls Eden and leaves open the possibility that desire was part of the garden’s innocence all along.

Oil on Claessens No. 66 oil-primed Belgian linen (460 g/m²), hand-stretched on professional-quality stretcher bars. Bespoke frame, prepared by hand with gesso, then painted, gilded and finished by the artist.

Canvas · Approx. 18 × 16 in (45.7 × 40.6 cm), height × width
Framed · Estimated 20–21 × 18–19 in (50.8–53.3 × 45.7–48.3 cm), height × width

Medium · Oil on Claessens No. 66 oil-primed Belgian linen, medium texture, 460 g/m², hand-stretched on professional-quality stretcher bars. Painted in oils by Rublev Colours, Williamsburg and Michael Harding.

Frame · Bespoke frame, prepared by hand with gesso, then painted, gilded and finished by the artist.