The Minoan culture was one of grace, beauty, love of art and nature. At it’s height her ships traveled to the far ends of the Mediterranean basin as traders and merchants. The homeland of Crete must have been a paradise of exotic flora and fauna. Traces of this rich culture still remain depicted on the ancient walls of Knossos and Akrotiri on the island of Santorini. Millennia after its fall frescoes still come alive with blue monkeys racing through the trees, and swallows dancing among extraordinary lilies. The grace of the Minoan women’s legendary beauty still shine in the faces of modern inhabitants such as young Marianna who inspired this piece.