Peter Engels Layla (Unique, Signed, COA) Portrait of a Mauritian woman, painted during the artist’s workation in Mauritius. Elegance, mystery and island poetry in palette knife texture – Artist: Peter Engels (internationally acclaimed portraitist) – Title: Layla (meaning dark beauty) – Medium: Acrylic on canvas, painted with the palette knife – Support: Museum-quality Brussels cotton canvas stretched on aluminium-reinforced frame – Size: 120 × 100 cm – Edition: 1/1 Original, unique and signed – Certificate: Includes official Certificate of Authenticity – Provenance: Painted in Mauritius, October 2025 – first time offered at auction (Catawiki premiere) – Condition: Excellent – newly created, paint dry and ready for collection – Shipping: Worldwide insured delivery in a custom wooden crate (or rolled in a tube on request) Description Painted during his workation in Mauritius, Layla is Peter Engels’ tribute to elegance, mystery and the poetic beauty of the island. The name Layla, derived from Arabic, means "dark beauty" and evokes tales of enchantment in classical Arabic literature. In this portrait, Layla looks directly at the viewer, serene, confident, with a subtle, knowing smile. Her light brown skin glows under the tropical light, partly veiled by the shadows of palm leaves. She wears golden earrings and three tribal necklaces, one made from seashells as an homage to the Indian Ocean surrounding the island. Her bare shoulders and long braids, tied beneath a bandana, portray strength and calmness in equal measure. Peter Engels used only five colours on his palette, skillfully blending warm earth tones into lifelike nuances of skin, light and shadow. His signature palette knife technique adds texture and emotion to the canvas, enhancing every subtle highlight and chiaroscuro transition. More than a portrait, Layla captures the cultural richness of Mauritius, its people, nature and quiet strength. It is a timeless celebration of identity, beauty and island soul. A poetic and authentic artwork, ready to enrich any private collection or refined interior.