FEATURED PAINTING

“Princess of Wales” – 24” x 36”

“Princess of Wales” is the inaugural piece by R. Anthony Marchelletta Studios—a visual tribute to the elegant defiance and quiet resilience of Princess Diana.

Inspired by her complex legacy, the work honors Diana’s luminous presence with a rigid monarchy-her innate radiance breaking through tradition with grace and strength. The icy white petals reflect her composed public image, while thistle thorns speak to her fierce protection of self and sons. Surrounding her, the acanthus leaves-classical emblems of tradition and endurance-represent the enduring institution of the monarchy. Yet from within that structure rises the thistle- sharp, singular and unapologetically alive- Diana herself, standing in striking contrast.

The thistle, the national emblem of Scotland, is especially resonant. Diana’s aristocratic lineage included Scottish roots. She was a direct descendant of Robert I of Scotland. This connection places Diana within the noble and sovereign lineage of Scottish royalty. Scotland served as a sanctuary for Diana during difficult periods, offering her both privacy and peace. But like the thistle- often considered a weed, yet revered for its resilience and beauty- Diana did not conform. She bloomed brightly and briefly, her presence unforgettable, her life tragically fleeting.

This piece is not merely a portrait in flowers; it is a layered homage to a woman who illuminated every room she entered, embodying dignity, vulnerability, and rebel grace.