Italian pencil artist Marco Mazzoni‘s work goes far beyond technical perfection. His representation of historical healing women is enigmatic and sublime. Often leaving the eyes blank or covered with an abundance of birds, butterflies and flowers, he gives the impression of a deeper inward focused sight, as well as obscuring the identity of the individual. Many female healers in the past – both medicine woman and midwives – were brutally persecuted by religion, some even burnt as witches… Mazzoni’s work captures their deep connection with nature and their innate power and femininity with delicacy and beautiful detail.

A man holds the new iPhone 4S after being one of the first customers in the Apple store in Covent Garden on October 14, 2011 in London, England. The widely anticipated new mobile phone from Apple has seen customers queue in cities around the world for hours to be amongst the first to buy the device. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

A adorable bear cub cant get enough of playing buckaroo – as it hangs onto its mum splashing about in a river. His mum was attempting to catch a fish supper for the pair as the plucky cub continued to jump on her back. And as she was concentrating on her meal the young bear became a distraction. So she sprung into life with him on her back before he was tossed into the water much to his delight. (Photo by Lisa Sidorsky/Caters News)

Sudanese refugees living in Tel Aviv dance as they celebrate independence from the Republic of Sudan on July 10, 2011 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel recognizes the Republic of South Sudan as independent state. South Sudan became a state on July 9 after it separated from the north, with its capital in Juba, following a vote for independence. The country was recognized on July 8 by the government of Sudan. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

Former U.S. Vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (R) greets some of the thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts and military veterans participating in 'Rolling Thunder' rally May 29, 2011 in Arlington, Virginia. Although not an official guest, former U.S. Vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor Sarah Palin is expected to participate in today's motorcycle parade from the Pentagon to the National Mall.

Patrick Boyle, The Earl of Glasgow and his son David, Viscount Kelburn pose at their home Kelburn Castle on August 30, 2011 in Largs, Scotland. The Earl of Glasgow has asked Historic Scotland if the graffiti can remain as a permanent feature of the Castle. The local council allowed the mural to be painted on the wall by Brazilian artists in 2007, with a three year limit put on the graffiti pending the start of rendering work at the castle.(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)