Snakes and serpents have long been associated with female sexuality and beauty. Historically snakes have represented fertility or a creative life force, they symbolize transformation, healing and immortality. Serpents may be depicted as evil in the bible, but Gabriele Pennacchioli utilizes them in an entirely different light in his illustration 'Snake Princess'. Like women snakes are graceful creatures but getting them riled is probably a bad idea.
Gabriele utilized the imagery in an almost genius fashion as the two serpents rear up full of anger and venom whilst the girl giving the command of attack remains placidly sweet, almost with an air of innocence to her as she effortlessly uses the minions at her command to provide a defense. The illustration kind of makes you want to go out and get a snake doesn't it?