Francien Krieg - Metus mortis

The work is on Brussels linen and stretched on aluminum bars; within the Netherlands it can be sent by courier or picked up, but since the work is so large I can send it rolled in a tube without the stretcher bars outside the Netherlands.

This is not a heroic fight.
This is a conversation.

In this self-portrait I stand face to face with what has occupied me my whole life: death. Not as a theatrical enemy, but as a quiet presence that always stands beside me. The skeleton is not menacing. It looks almost neutral. The weapon in my hand is not an expression of power, but of doubt. As if I ask: should I fight? Should I resist? Or should I learn to look?

I think daily about mortality. About the inevitable end of something that can be so intensely beautiful. That feels sometimes cruel. As if you leave a party while the music is still playing. In this work I explore that tension. The vulnerability of my naked body against the bare, inescapable skeletal system. Flesh versus structure. Warmth versus emptiness.

The pistol is not a call to violence, but a symbol of control. The human illusion that we can decide something about what is ultimately larger than ourselves. While I aim, I also feel that it is pointless. Death does not allow itself to be intimidated. It stands there calmly. Patiently.

This painting is about my inner dialogue. About fear, resistance, curiosity, and perhaps even fascination. About the realization that aging means the distance between me and that skeleton becomes smaller. But also about the question of whether I can ever learn to stand beside her without aiming.

Maybe this is not a threat.
Maybe it is an exercise in facing it.

The Precious Bodies series is, for me, a personal and special exploration of the beauty and vulnerability of the human body. In this series I examine themes such as aging and transience, and I try to show how strength lies in vulnerability. Through layered painting techniques I try to bring the skin and texture to life, and I hope to evoke a moment of reflection in the viewer.

I am grateful that this series has received recognition in recent years and has been exhibited in renowned galleries and museums. Additionally, a book has been published about Precious Bodies, highlighting both the works and my vision. It is remarkable to note that the series sparks conversations about how we look at ourselves and others, and how aging deserves a place in art.

For those who value these works, this is an opportunity to bring a part of this series into your home. I hope the work not only appeals visually but also touches a sensitive nerve.

I always work with high-quality materials to guarantee the longevity and vibrancy of my artworks. I paint on premium linen or on high-quality panels, known for their durability and smooth texture, which allows for fine details. I use only professional oil paints, rich in pigment, which give deep, luminous colors that maintain their intensity over time. By investing in the best materials I ensure that each work retains its intensity and quality for many years, so collectors can enjoy the artwork to the fullest.

This artwork can be framed upon request by me in a simple but elegant *baklijst* (floating frame). The *baklijst* enhances the painting by providing a subtle, modern finish that complements the artwork without overpowering it. This frame style leaves a small gap between the painting and the frame, creating a floating effect that beautifully emphasizes the work. It is a minimalist approach that ensures your artwork is ready to hang and enjoy immediately.