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Domenico Gnoli was an Italian painter in the late 1950’s and 60’s who painted intimate, domestic scenes and objects. From heads of hair to ironed shirts, and scalloped hems to patterned bedsheets, Gnoli’s poetic compositions were detailed portrayals of everyday life.
A very interesting fact: in 1967, Gnoli produced a series of works depicting his wife, Yannick Vu’s at his studio in Mallorca. These works are painstakingly loving renditions of swaying locks and braided tails of long black hair (as pictured here). Unfortunately, Gnoli passed in 1970, but his wife (an artist in her own right) remained on the island, establishing the Yannick and Ben Jakober Foundation and what is now the Sa Bassa Blanca Museum in Alcúdia.
As many of you know, Xavi is a wonderful singer and guitarist. On one of Sophia and Xavi’s first dates, he played a rendition of Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight. In the song, Clapton sings—
It's late in the evening
She's wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make up
And brushes her long blonde hair
Since this night, and in all the nights after, Xavi makes a small change to the lyrics. Instead, he sings: And brushes her long black hair.
Much like Gnoli’s delicate depictions of Vu’s hair, this simple exchange of words carries a quiet tenderness - as a reminder that to be seen is to be loved.