Description

Protect Me by Catari Monsanto is a captivating oil painting on porcelain that explores the quiet intelligence, vulnerability, and emotional depth found in the animal world. The artwork presents an intimate portrait of a gorilla, capturing a powerful yet gentle presence through careful attention to expression, texture, and detail.

Created on glazed porcelain tile using specialized porcelain paints, the piece achieves a unique glass-like finish through a meticulous firing process. Each layer of paint was individually fired at 850 degrees, with the artwork requiring seven separate firings to build its remarkable depth, realism, and dimensional quality.

The deep, expressive eyes and richly layered dark tones create a moment of connection between viewer and subject, inviting reflection on empathy, protection, and the bond between humans and other living beings. Measuring 19 × 14 inches, Protect Me is a refined example of contemporary wildlife art and a striking addition to collectors of animal portraiture and handcrafted ceramic artwork.