Maria (2026) Screenprint by Andrea McIlhatton Cardow

Maria is a portrait of Maria Callas, taken from Cecil Beaton’s 1956 photograph. Behind her are words from the aria La Mamma Morta from Andrea Chénier, reflecting the extraordinary movement of Callas’s life – from poverty to love and hope, and through tragedy.

Callas’s story speaks to me through her determination to define herself and use her talent despite the circumstances she faced. There is a quiet strength in that kind of self-definition: not a loud declaration, but the everyday act of continuing to choose who you are and what you will become.

I created the piece in gold ink in honour of Callas’s majesty and to catch and reflect the light. As the light changes, so does the image of Callas. It is a reference to the many different versions of her presented by the media and popular press, and to the woman behind them who remained more than any one portrayal. For me, that is where her resilience lies – in retaining herself when the world kept trying to define her.

Please Note: This is a varied edition of 2. There are 2 images of each work shown here to show each in different light - the gold in reflects the light when it directly faces the work - this is shown in the images.

Materials used:

Archival Somerset Satin 300 gsm

Details:

• Screenprint on Paper
• From a limited edition of 8
• Size: 70 x 100 x 0.1cm (unframed) / 70 x 100cm (actual image size)
• Signed and numbered on the back
• Style: Unspecified
• Subject: People and portraits