Female snake watching over her eggs by Joan Sultan, 32x43cm FJ168JoS

"Female Snake Watching Over Her Eggs" by Joan Sultan captures the protective nature of a female snake guarding her eggs. In Central Australia and the Western Desert, Rainbow Serpents are revered beings believed to live beneath waterholes and travel between them, creating sacred sites and various landscape features during their ancestral journeys.

Joan Sultan has handwritten the full title on the back of the canvas, accompanied by a detailed drawing and description of the iconography. This thoughtful addition provides deeper insight into the cultural and spiritual significance of the painting.

Joan Sultan hails from a family of gifted artists and musicians, including her accomplished brother, Reg Sultan, who played a pivotal role in encouraging her artistic pursuits. Her sisters, June and Trephina Sultan, are also notable artists, contributing to the family's rich creative legacy. Through this artwork, Joan Sultan not only illustrates the natural world but also pays homage to the cultural beliefs and traditions of her people. Her depiction of the Rainbow Serpent and its connection to the land underscores the deep spiritual ties of the Aboriginal people to their environment. Joan's work preserves and celebrates this heritage, showcasing the enduring legacy and artistic talent of her family and community.