There are two principal sources of illumination in this debut MetArt gallery. One is the model’s smile, the other is Leonardo’s lighting design. And this makes for a very effective combination.

Mia D. has striking features. Her body is long and lean, her breasts petite, her skin tanned to a warm bronze glow. Her smile is bright and brilliant. At times it feels just a bit theatrical, but when it’s spontaneous, as it is in #085, it’s impossible to resist. Her eyes are also exceptional, and an image like #080 captures their depth and beauty.

Although it may, at first glance, seem like a relatively simple series, there is a great deal of care and craft in Leonardo‘s design and execution of this pictorial. One of the more subtle elements is his choice of colors. Mia is wearing pink panties the color of which is a perfect match to the flowers on a bush in the background. The most dramatic element, however, is the lighting. Mia poses on an upholstered chair on a balcony or patio. As the set begins the sky behind her is darkening, and by the end night has fallen. There is a light source, out of view above and towards the right edge of the frame. This not only illuminates the vivid pink flowers, it also creates flattering highlights in Mia’s hair, and brings out the contours of her body (see #136). It also hints at the bright light of a full moon, adding more than a taste of interesting atmosphere.

Mia D.’s bright smile and sunny disposition is mated to a pleasing lack of inhibition, and explicit poses are offered in abundance. An eager model and a stylish presentation make “Presenting” a success for both Mia D. and Leonardo.