Royal Selection: The Next 'Trashed Masterpiece' is Revealed! (and how it began)

Michele Moore
May 20
2 min read

Updated: Jun 15

Hello art lovers and fellow adventurers into the unexpected!

It's time to pull back the curtain on "Trashed Masterpiece" #16. As you know, my series is all about taking iconic classical artworks and reimagining them on the most unconventional of canvases: discarded dispensary bags. For each new piece, I love injecting an element of delightful randomness into the selection process.

This time, I turned to a truly esteemed individual, a fellow alumni from my Leadership North Port Class of 2022: our very own North Port City Manager, Jerome Fletcher. I presented him with a bag of masterwork stickers, and with the kind of precision one expects from a City Manager, he reached in and pulled out…

...the exquisite 'Joséphine-Éléonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Béarn (1825–1860), Princesse de Broglie' by the French master Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, painted between 1851 and 1853. What a magnificently regal and elegant choice! This portrait is known for its incredible detail, the luxurious textures of her dress, and her serene, almost ethereal presence.

#16 being chosen by Jerome Fletcher

The moment the Princesse was chosen, my mind immediately started buzzing with ideas. How would I translate such classical grandeur onto a humble dispensary bag? This is the core challenge and joy of this series!

The first step is the ceremonial transfer. I approach this initial stage with almost surgical precision, much like a conservationist handling a precious artifact. I meticulously trace the contours of the Princesse from a print out and color photo reference online. This tracing is then carefully transferred to a prepared dispensary bag, which I've diligently gessoed to create a perfect, receptive surface. This preparation is key; it ensures the new life the Princesse will take on is built on a strong foundation.

This initial phase is where the dialogue between the past and the present truly begins. It's about respecting the original's form while laying the groundwork for a new, contemporary narrative.

I can't wait to delve deeper into the painting process for this one. What do you envision for this Princesse? How do you think she'll adapt to her new 'trashed' home? Stay tuned for more updates on her transformation!