Like Water for Flowers
“Rotten to the Core”
Portrait of Veronica
Referencing the painting, “Bacchus”, by Caravaggio (1596)
“Rotten to the Core”, Portrait of Veronica by DeVaughn Jerrell (2025)
-
![]()
graphite on 22" x 30" arches hot press paper (300lbs, 640gsm)
-
![]()
close attention to detail
-
![]()
still life of rotten fruit within portrait
-
![]()
grapes and dead leaves atop lively curls
-
![]()
deep shadows creating strong contrast
-
![]()
masterful approach to texture & lighting
Named after Lexa Gates’, “Rotten to the Core”, a raunchy rap tune where Lexa doubles down on the lyrics, “actin’ like I’m sweet you know I’m rotten to the core”.
These lyrics specifically add a layer to Veronica’s portrait by bringing attention to the bowl of rotten fruit; attracting the viewers eyes to the subtle flaws that lie within this seductive offering that seem too good to be true.
