Papageno is the bird catcher from Mozart's opera, the Magic Flute. The Magic Flute is filled with rich symbolism, in particular Alchemical and Masonic symbols. Papageno is the bearer of the birdcage and of the Magic Bells. In the opera, the scenes which include Papageno are light-hearted, much like Papageno's own light heart. Papageno is Tamino's 'side-kick' and his quest is to find a wife, and he does find one in the lovely Papagena, his birdy counterpart!
Papageno is usually depicted with green feathers, but I opted for purple and gold in this representation.
I painted this using acrylics on heavy-weight paper.