The Painting That Left Marisol Nichols Speechless
What happens when a painting transforms a familiar face into a deeply personal story of love, loss, and memory?For actress Marisol Nichols, the answer came during a private visit to the studio of Italian contemporary artist Alex Righetto, where she encountered Mona Lisa’s Daughter, an oil painting completed in 2023.
Known to international audiences for her portrayal of Hermione Lodge in the television series Riverdale and as Special Agent Nadia Yassir in the action drama 24, Marisol Nichols has spent much of her career bringing complex characters to life on screen. But during her visit to Righetto’s studio, she found herself on the other side of a story: standing before a painted face whose meaning reached far beyond its visual appearance.
As she contemplated the work and listened to the story behind it, Nichols struggled to articulate her response.
“It’s vibrating, it’s speaking, it’s living.”
To understand why this painting made such an impression, it helps to know the story that inspired it.
The Story Behind Mona Lisa’s Daughter
Completed in 2023, Mona Lisa’s Daughter is an oil painting by Alex Righetto dedicated to the daughter Lisa del Giocondo lost in 1499.
Lisa del Giocondo, traditionally identified as the woman in Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, had five children with her husband, Francesco. Through this painting, Righetto focuses on Lisa not only as the face of one of the world’s most famous paintings, but also as a mother who experienced the loss of a child.
When actress Marisol Nichols visited Righetto’s studio and saw the painting in person, she was deeply moved.
“It’s vibrating, it’s speaking, it’s living,” she said.
Learning the story behind the painting made the experience even more personal.
“I feel like I know her,” Nichols said.
The story helped her connect with the woman portrayed on the canvas. She was no longer looking at a face from the past. She was thinking about a mother, her daughter, and the loss that connected them.
That connection moved Nichols emotionally and changed the way she experienced the painting.
The Power of Seeing the Painting in Person
Nichols had already seen images of Righetto’s work before visiting his studio. She knew what the paintings looked like on a screen. But seeing the original was an entirely different experience.
“It’s stunning online,” she explained. “But in person is a whole…”
She paused, searching for the right words.
Then she described what she perceived in the physical presence of the painting.
Her reaction speaks to something that reproductions cannot entirely capture.
A photograph can show the composition, the colors, and the subject. It can reveal the artist’s choices and give the viewer an impression of the finished work. But standing before an original painting is a different kind of encounter.
The physical scale, the surface, the details that emerge through sustained observation, and the relationship between the work and the viewer all contribute to the experience.
In the case of Mona Lisa’s Daughter, these elements meet with the emotional weight of the story behind the image.
Mona Lisa’s Daughter is a tribute to life and the duality it represents, but above all, to the human experience of living a spiritual life in a material world.
Here, immortality, represented by success, fame, and the iconic image of the Mona Lisa, conceals the weight of mortality to which we are all subject
A Meeting with Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme at Art & Luxury Monaco
During Art & Luxury Monaco, one of the memorable encounters surrounding Alex Righetto’s presentation was his meeting with Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme.
Held in Monaco during the Monaco Yacht Show, the event brought together artists, collectors, patrons, and figures from different worlds of culture and luxury. Among the moments that stood out was the Princess’s encounter with Righetto’s Radiance Collection, which immediately caught her attention.
Radiance explores femininity through a visual language shaped by flowers, animals, light, and the natural world. The collection is rooted in an interest in feminine energy, dignity, strength, and beauty, with elements of nature becoming an essential part of the symbolism within the paintings.
The connection was particularly meaningful given Princess Margarita’s own relationship with the world of luxury jewelry and her work with creations inspired by nature. Although painting and jewelry belong to different creative disciplines, both can draw from the same fundamental source: the natural world and its ability to inspire beauty, emotion, and meaning.
This shared sensitivity created a natural point of connection between the Princess and the Radiance works.
Several paintings in the collection place the feminine figure at the center while incorporating floral elements and references to nature. Rather than functioning simply as decorative details, these elements contribute to the symbolic language of the works, creating a dialogue between the human figure and the natural environment.
For Righetto, encounters such as this are an important part of exhibiting internationally. Once a work leaves the artist’s studio and enters an exhibition space, it begins to establish relationships with people from very different backgrounds. Each viewer brings their own experiences, interests, and visual references to the encounter.
In Monaco, that dialogue took place through Radiance.
The meeting with Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme offered a particularly fitting example of how different creative worlds can intersect. A painting and a piece of jewelry may be created through entirely different processes, yet both can transform elements of nature into objects of beauty and expression.
The encounter added another meaningful chapter to the story of the Radiance Collection and to Righetto’s participation in Art & Luxury Monaco, where art, design, luxury, and culture came together in an international setting.
Photos of Art and Luxury Fair during Monaco Yacht Show
A few weeks ago, Alex Righetto took part in the Art & Luxury Fair in Monte Carlo, held during the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, through Tota Pulchra, the cultural association connected with the Vatican.
Following a significant national and international selection, Righetto was invited to present his work alongside a carefully selected group of artists from different backgrounds and countries. The two-day event brought together artists, collectors, cultural figures, and distinguished guests, including Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, within the unique international setting of Monte Carlo during Yacht Show week.
For Alex, the event was an opportunity to present his work to an international audience and personally share the stories, ideas, and artistic research behind his paintings.
The photographs below capture some of these moments, from the exhibition itself to conversations with visitors and guests throughout the event.
Which Works Were Exhibited?
The exhibition featured works from three distinct collections: Perfectly Imperfect, Radiance, and Romeo and Juliet. Bringing together these three bodies of work allowed visitors to experience different artistic styles, themes, and concepts within a single exhibition.
The result was a visual dialogue between works that explore very different aspects of Alex Righetto’s artistic research, offering the audience a broader perspective on his practice rather than focusing on a single collection.
For more information about each collection, visit the dedicated pages below:
- Perfectly Imperfect
- Radiance Collection
- Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis
The Art & Luxury Fair represented another important international experience for Righetto and a valuable opportunity to connect his work with a broader audience of collectors and art enthusiasts.
With this chapter now concluded, the focus turns to the next edition and to the new works and projects that will continue to shape his international artistic journey.
A special acknowledgment to Monsignor Jean-Marie Gervais for his trust and support, and to Annette Wijdom for creating and organizing such a successful event.
Alex Righetto to Take Part in Art & Luxury Monaco 2026
Italian artist Alex Righetto will take part in Art & Luxury Monaco 2026, a curated international event bringing together artists, collectors, luxury maisons and cultural leaders in Monte-Carlo during the week of the Monaco Yacht Show.
The luxury setting
The Monaco Yacht Show is one of Europe’s most prestigious luxury events, attracting an international audience to Monte-Carlo and bringing together some of the world’s most renowned yacht builders and leading names in the luxury industry.
It is therefore an exceptional moment to reach a highly exclusive international audience, with a significant concentration of high-net-worth individuals, collectors, and luxury clientele in Monte-Carlo during this period.
It is within this exceptional context that Art & Luxury Fair takes its place. The 2026 Monaco edition will be held under the prestigious High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, further underscoring the event’s international standing and its connection to the world of art, culture, and luxury.
Art and Luxury fair
Welcome to the Art and Luxury Fair, The Home of Art, Craftsmanship & Luxury
Taking place on September 24 and 25, 2026, at the Théâtre Princesse Grace, the event is designed as more than a traditional art fair. Its concept places the creative process at the center of the experience, offering collectors and guests the opportunity to meet artists, discover their work and engage with the stories and craftsmanship behind each piece.
A glimpse into previous editions of the event
Art & Luxury Monaco 2026 will feature a deliberately curated selection of artists and cultural partners, with participation limited to fourteen artists. The programme includes live demonstrations, artist presentations, private meetings with collectors, press and media activities, and a private launch cocktail.
H.S.H. Albert II, Prince of Monaco
The 2026 edition is being held under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, with H.R.H. Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme serving as Honorary Creative Contributor.
For Righetto, the event represents an opportunity to present his work within an international environment where contemporary art meets the worlds of collecting, craftsmanship, heritage and luxury.
Alex is no stranger to this kind of prestigious setting. His artistic journey has already brought him to exclusive events in Miami, alongside supercars and megayachts, as well as to distinguished exhibitions attended by members of the Royal Family, including the historic Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom.
Art & Luxury Monaco 2026
September 24–25, 2026
Théâtre Princesse Grace
12 Avenue d’Ostende, Monte-Carlo, Monaco
As part of his international programme, Alex Righetto will be in Monte-Carlo for this exclusive two-day gathering of artists, collectors and cultural partners.
More information about Alex Righetto’s participation and the works presented will be announced soon.
A special note of gratitude goes to the Tota Pulchra Association, a Vatican-based cultural association representing the artist, for its support and valuable contribution to this international event.
Artists do not often donate their artwork directly to charitable causes. The art industry already places significant demands on artists, making the decision to give away an original work a meaningful one. More commonly, collectors purchase an artwork and the artist contributes a portion of the proceeds to charity.
Alex has supported charitable causes in this way before, including the Art Against Human Trafficking initiative he organized during Art Basel Miami in December, raising funds to support the fight against human trafficking.
In this case, however, Alex made a more direct contribution by donating an original artwork to be auctioned, with the proceeds supporting the restoration of important Italian historical artifacts.
The event, held near Rome, aims to raise funds for the restoration of the costume of Charles II of Anjou and the creation of the costume of Pope Nicholas IV, commemorating the coronation ceremony held at Rieti Cathedral in 1289. Organized in collaboration with Lions International, the event is held under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Lazio Region. Attracting approximately 500,000 visitors each year, it represents a major cultural event of national significance.
The donated artwork is an oil on panel from the Perfectly Imperfect collection, which deals with the composition of faces and bodies in abstract spaces. This expressionist portrait explores the composition of faces and bodies within abstract spaces, creating surreal forms and figures.
The event will take place in Rieti, Italy, from August 28 to September 6. Due to prior professional commitments, Alex will unfortunately be unable to attend in person.
A special thank you to Gianni Turrina for organizing the artistic program and promoting the event.
Alex Join the Prestigious Vatican-linked cultural association Tota Pulchra
Artist Alex Righetto has been selected to join the network of artists collaborating with Tota Pulchra, a prestigious cultural association based in Rome and closely connected to the cultural environment surrounding the Holy See.
Founded by Monsignor Jean-Marie Gervais, Tota Pulchra was created with the aim of promoting art and culture in their many forms, supporting selected artists and creating new opportunities for visibility, collaboration, and dialogue. Painting, theatre, music, and other artistic expressions become instruments through which the aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of human existence can be explored and celebrated.
This mission is part of the long tradition of the Catholic Church and the Vatican as patrons and supporters of the arts. For centuries, the Church has represented one of the most important meeting points between art, culture, and spirituality, supporting the work of some of the greatest masters in Italian history, from Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci to many other leading figures of the Renaissance.
For an artist, becoming part of this context today therefore means entering, in an ideal sense, into the continuity of a centuries-old cultural tradition, one in which art is not merely an aesthetic expression, but also a means of research, communication, and openness toward a deeper spiritual dimension.
For Alex Righetto, the collaboration with Tota Pulchra represents precisely this connection between his contemporary artistic research and one of the most important cultural traditions in Western history.
Alongside Monsignor Jean-Marie Gervais, the project also involves the well-known Roman entrepreneur Sandro Rosiglioni, who contributes to the initiative through consulting, curatorial work, and the development of new cultural opportunities. It is through this synergy that the collaboration with Alex Righetto has already begun to produce concrete results.
One of the first examples is the artist’s selection for an exclusive international event in Monaco, an opportunity made possible in part through the network and relationships developed through the collaboration with Tota Pulchra.
For Alex Righetto, this collaboration therefore represents not only an important new professional recognition, but also the beginning of a cultural journey in which contemporary art, tradition, spirituality, and new international opportunities can come together.
The connection between Alex Righetto and Tota Pulchra takes on an even deeper meaning in light of the artist’s social commitment and the themes that run throughout his artistic practice.
His work addresses contemporary issues related to society, technology, and the impact that new digital tools have on human beings and younger generations, bringing these subjects into dialogue with a broader reflection on the spiritual dimension of human existence.
This commitment is also reflected in the social initiatives promoted by the artist, including projects dedicated to raising awareness and combating human trafficking, as well as in his attention to younger generations and to the cultural and social transformations brought about by technology.
It is precisely at this intersection of aesthetics, social commitment, spirituality, and contemporary research that the collaboration with Tota Pulchra acquires particular meaning. The connection with the culture of the Church and with the Italian artistic tradition is therefore not simply a historical reference, but becomes a natural extension of the artist’s own research.
Projects such as Romeo & Juliet: The Metamorphosis and Mona Lisa’s Daughter demonstrate this desire to bring tradition into dialogue with the present: on one side, the great archetypes of Western culture; on the other, the questions raised by contemporary society, technology, and the evolution of human relationships, leading ultimately toward the search for a deeper spiritual dimension.
In this sense, the collaboration with Tota Pulchra represents for Alex Righetto a kind of ideal reconnection with the great Italian tradition in which art, culture, spirituality, and society have been deeply intertwined for centuries. It is a tradition in which the Church and the Vatican have been among the most important supporters and patrons of the arts, and which can continue today to engage with a new generation of artists and with the challenges of the contemporary world.
For Alex Righetto, it is therefore a great honor to welcome Tota Pulchra into the dialogue that his artistic practice has been developing around these themes, creating a bridge between art, culture, spirituality, and social commitment.
The collaboration also represents an opportunity to join forces with strategic figures, professionals, and Italian entrepreneurs capable of making a concrete contribution to the development of cultural projects with an international reach.
The goal is to transform this synergy into a platform capable not only of promoting Italian art and culture, but also of bringing messages and initiatives to the world that can generate a meaningful and tangible impact through the power of art, human relationships, and entrepreneurship.
You can support the work and cultural mission of Tota Pulchra by making a donation. Your contribution can help the association continue promoting art, culture, dialogue, and new opportunities for artists and cultural initiatives.
Support Tota Pulchra by making a donation here: Donations
Honored by the Mayor of Miami-Dade
The event, held at the Miami Woman’s Club, brought together art, philanthropy, and social engagement, using the power of art to raise awareness of one of the most pressing humanitarian issues facing society today.
Thanks to Gladys Margarita Diaz, founder of Coral Rock Village in Coral Gables, along with Ray Jourdain and Reinaldo Valdés, for their efforts in securing the Miami-Dade County Recognition Appreciation Certificate, presented on behalf of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, by Jason T. Smith, Director of Equity and Engagement.
The recognition highlights the importance of this special Art Against Human Trafficking event, an initiative driven by the vision, artistry, and commitment of international artist Alex Righetto, in collaboration with Paul Hutchinson and Stacy Francis, international artist and director of the nonprofit Stacy Francis Music, Arts and Education Foundation.
The event brought together art, philanthropy, and social responsibility to raise awareness of human trafficking and support efforts to combat this critical humanitarian issue.
During Art Basel Miami, a city known for innovation, celebration, and the convergence of art, culture, and philanthropy, an exhibition addressing such a profound and urgent issue was bound to stand out and leave a lasting impression.
This is also what made the presence of Paul Hutchinson, producer and one of the producers of the film Sound of Freedom, particularly significant. His involvement brought an additional level of visibility and credibility to an event centered on raising awareness about human trafficking and using the power of art to address one of the most serious humanitarian issues of our time.
Why is this issue so important in the United States, and why did Alex Righetto decide to dedicate an entire exhibition to it?
The reason is deeply connected to Alex’s longstanding interest in technology and, in particular, in the social impact that new technologies can have on younger generations.
The rapid evolution of social media and artificial intelligence has created an increasingly complex digital environment, where identities can be fabricated, people can easily impersonate others, and individuals with malicious intentions can reach young people with unprecedented ease.
These technologies have opened new avenues for manipulation, grooming, and exploitation, creating a dangerous grey area between the digital and physical worlds.
For Alex, this is precisely where art can play a role: not simply by documenting a problem, but by forcing people to look at an issue that is often hidden from view.
During the evening, individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the fight against human trafficking were also recognized for their direct commitment to the cause. Personal stories were shared, including accounts of people who had been rescued from extreme situations of exploitation and trafficking.
These are not stories belonging to the past. They are happening today.
Human trafficking remains a present and evolving reality, and the digital transformation of society has created new challenges rather than making the problem disappear. In recent years, the ways in which traffickers can identify, approach, manipulate, and exploit vulnerable people have become increasingly sophisticated.
That is why the exhibition was not simply an art event. It was a statement about the present and a reminder that awareness, vigilance, and collective action are urgently needed now.
Another body of Alex Righetto’s work that explores the impact of technology on society and younger generations is Romeo & Juliet: The Metamorphosis. For this particular event, however, Alex presented a different body of work, the Radiance Collection.
Radiance focuses on the beauty, strength, and energy of the feminine. Through the collection, Alex seeks to celebrate the female presence and highlight a form of power that is often underestimated, overlooked, or even suppressed in society.
The contrast is intentional. While Romeo & Juliet: The Metamorphosis examines how technology and digital communication can affect human relationships and contribute to isolation and disconnection, particularly among younger generations, Radiance turns the focus toward something more elemental: the value, resilience, and extraordinary energy of the feminine.
Presented in the context of an event addressing one of the most serious forms of exploitation affecting women and young people, the collection acquired an additional layer of meaning. The artworks became not only an expression of beauty, but also a celebration of dignity, identity, and the strength of the human spirit.
A very special thank you to the Stacy Francis Music, Arts and Education Foundation for fully funding the event and supporting its preparation and execution. The Foundation was the sole financial contributor to the event, covering the costs associated with bringing this important initiative to life.
Collaboration with Paul Hutchinson
During Art Basel Miami, artist Alex Righetto brought together art, philanthropy, and social responsibility through a collaboration with Paul Hutchinson, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the Child Liberation Foundation, an organization dedicated to combating child trafficking and exploitation.
Hutchinson is also widely known as the Executive Producer of Sound of Freedom, the film that brought the issue of child trafficking to the attention of an international audience. According to his official biography, Hutchinson has worked as an undercover operator and has participated in more than 70 rescue missions across 15 countries. His work has focused on confronting human trafficking and helping vulnerable children escape situations of exploitation.
During the event, Hutchinson shared his personal experience with the guests, offering insight into the realities of human trafficking and the challenges involved in combating a crime that often remains hidden from public view. His testimony transformed the evening into an opportunity for awareness and dialogue, connecting the world of art with one of the most urgent humanitarian issues of our time.
The collaboration took place as part of Art Against Human Trafficking, an event held during Miami Art Week at the Miami Woman’s Club. Righetto presented his artistic research and the Radiance Collection, using the language of art to explore themes of feminine energy, dignity, vulnerability, and human value.
Fundraising was an important part of the initiative. Funds raised during the event were directed toward supporting efforts dedicated to protecting vulnerable individuals and combating human trafficking and exploitation. A portion of the proceeds associated with the Radiance Collection was also designated to support the Child Liberation Foundation and its work.
The foundation’s activities extend beyond rescue operations, encompassing prevention, education, victim support, rehabilitation, and programs designed to help survivors rebuild their lives. Through these efforts, the goal is not only to respond to exploitation after it occurs, but also to address the conditions that allow trafficking to continue.
For Righetto, the collaboration represents a natural extension of the message behind the Radiance Collection.
To celebrate the dignity, strength, and inherent value of women also means taking a stand against violence, exploitation, and every circumstance in which a human being is reduced to an object.
Supercars & Mega Yachts
Alex Righetto in Miami: A Live Experience of Art, Supercars and Mega Yachts
Artist Alex Righetto was invited to a spectacular event in Miami, where owners of supercars and mega yachts gathered for an exclusive day following a stunning parade through the streets of the city.
During the event, Righetto transformed some of the extraordinary cars on display into true works of art, painting them live and creating a unique and immersive artistic experience.
A remarkable encounter between art, luxury, design, and performance, where Righetto’s art stepped beyond the traditional gallery setting and entered directly into the world of supercars and international lifestyle.
Exclusive Showcase on a Private Yacht
This year, for Art Basel Miami, Alex organized a private event in a truly original setting: aboard a private mega yacht, with guests and attendees exclusively by invitation.
The event unfolded over two evenings, each welcoming a different group of guests. The opening evening was reserved for VIP guests, while the second evening welcomed a broader invited audience.
During the second evening, the yacht embarked on a special cruise toward the Aston Martin Residences before returning to the marina.
For the occasion, an extraordinary selection of artworks was brought on board, including Mona Lisa’s Daughter and two additional paintings from the Radiance collection.
The combination of contemporary art, a private yacht setting, and the Miami skyline created a distinctive and immersive experience for the guests.