Giulia

Artist Statement:

I chose to paint Tofana because she is a fascinating but lesser-known woman from history.

Her story raises a powerful moral conflict over whether she’s a saviour or a murderer.

In the mid-1600s, women had very few rights and were often trapped in violent, abusive marriages with no way out. After experiencing a tragic childhood and the loss of her mother, made it her mission to help women escape these situations by secretly providing them with a poison called Aqua Tofana, disguised as a cosmetic.

She ultimately became one of history’s most notorious serial killers.

I’m deeply intrigued by the moral complexity of her actions and the desperate lengths women had to go to for freedom. Whether viewed as a heroine or a villain, I believe Tofana deserves to be remembered.

Dimensions: 600mm (w) x 900mm (h)

Year: 2025

Medium: Oil on canvas