Maria Artelli - The Keeper of Silence

The Keeper of Silence
The Keeper of Silence is an artwork inspired by the landscape of the Canary Islands and their deep natural and cultural identity. At the center of the composition stands the drago tree (dragon tree), one of the most iconic symbols of the archipelago, closely connected to its history, myths, and sense of time and endurance.
For the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, the drago was considered a sacred tree. Its distinctive red resin, often referred to as “dragon’s blood,” symbolized life, protection, and eternity. In this artwork, the tree appears as a silent guardian of the space—steady, grounded, and deeply rooted in the land.
In the background, a traditional Canarian house is depicted alongside a characteristic stone fence. What may appear at first glance as a white surface with dark spots is in fact a typical Canarian wall built from volcanic stone and covered with lime. The darker areas are the stone showing through the whitewash over time—a trace of life and weather rather than a decorative pattern. This type of construction has become a recognizable part of the visual identity of the Canary Islands, reflecting the balance between the raw force of nature and human order.
The surrounding landscape is enriched with cacti, flowering plants, mountainous forms, and a clear blue sky, creating an atmosphere of light, stillness, and natural harmony. All elements of the composition work together to evoke a sense of calm, rootedness, and quiet balance.
The artwork integrates naturally into a modern interior—such as a living room, home office, or relaxation space—bringing a feeling of nature, time, and silent presence into the environment.
Dimensions: 70 × 50 cm (28 × 20 in)
Materials: Acrylic on canvas, stretched on a wooden frame
Year: 2026
Condition: Ready to hang
Certification: Comes with a certificate of authenticity
Note:
Interior images may include AI-generated visualizations. These images are intended to illustrate the possible visual presence of the artwork within a space. Actual proportions and scale of the artwork in interior examples may vary slightly from the real dimensions.