I contemplated buying this for months - I hesitated because I wanted it in a large size but with that came a big jump in price. Then I saw this piece was getting low in stock, so I just took the plunge and bought the 40 x 40 canvas. As soon as I received it I knew it was worth every penny. This is an evocative and captivating piece. Like other reviewers stated you form a personal connection to it and come to find your own meaning. You could interpret this portrait in so many ways, that's what I love about it. Aesthetically it certainly draws the eye and stands out in whatever room it's in, to say the very least. It's not only beautiful and attractive but really thought-provoking and stirring. I love this powerful work of art and I am so happy I own it now and can look at it whenever I like. It is personal preference but in my opinion it's best to have the largest size you can get; I think it really brings to life the feeling that she's kind of bursting open. It looks like she's on the verge of spilling right off the canvas.
I had no issues with packing - it came wrapped in plastic and had styrofoam on the corners and that's basically it, and it was tucked tightly into the box and labelled as fragile. Note: If you choose to have the shipper hold it for you and you ordered the biggest size, make sure you can fit it in your car!! I actually couldn't and had to take it out of the box to squeeze it into my trunk.