The Sword In the Stone by duncanlong
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
I decided to try my hand at a "classical" layout - as shown here (with the "Golden Spiral" overlay to show how the placement of various elements was determined).
In keeping with the classic tradition, I employed some symbolism:
Merlin takes on a godlike stance, appearing between the castle and the storm clouds; a spider (representing evil and probably not too visible at this resolution) climbs the side of the stone toward the sword.
The sword is near the lake (where the Lady of the Lake will take it when it is returned at the end of many tellings of the story).
Lightning opposite the castle shows coming troubles, and the dove is flying away from the castle to represent peace departing the land with the coming civil war.
One of the trickier parts of this picture was keeping the sky at bay so it didn't interfere with the sword or Merlin's smoke. It's always "interesting" how important the backgrounds can become in a picture.
And, yes, any similar between artists living or dead is purely coincidental. :o)
Comments (20)
Superbly done! Great symbolism:)
good symbolism
I'd not heard of the Golden Spiral before, I assume it is related to the magic ratios favoured by the Greeks. It has a Tarot card feel to it, a harbinger of difficult times. Merlin looks almost benign in this, not the dark, chaotic presence that some portrayals suggest.
I've studied the 'Golden Spiral' also called the Golden Proportion, Golden Section and Phi, speaking of mathematical ratios. I love the layout and it really "Feels" right to view it this way. Thank you for the descriptions and symbolism to accompany them. I think Merlin looks rather wise & foxy, but it is more of a Moses look, in my opinion. Merlin's magic was good magic, so the image fits well. Your work is terrific and fascinating. Thanks, Duncan.
Great job Duncan!
Brilliant
Nice picture and you are looking great as Merlin !!!
Mayhaps if you made the spider bigger, and on the near, lit side instead of the dark side? Either way, very nice
Oh heck - and I thought he looked an awful lot like you! :) Nice work!
WOW!!!!!!this is very interesting! amazing work,Professional Creative Touch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a very fine piece indeed... I appreciate you sharing your technique and symbolism.
This must go to my favs... The Arthurian legends have always been one of my favorites and the various tellings are all in my library. Superb details, including the 'close' up on the hand, beautiful work on that!!!!
Really wonderful work, and I must say that Merlin is somewhat familiar....Beautiful concept, composition and art.
Fantastic image Duncan !!! ... Antonio.
cool!!!wonderful and excellent work!!!
This is awesome and very well done.. thanks for sharing...
Awesome work!!! Love the symbolism and the hidden secrects in this picture!! Really a masterpiece! Bravo!
Duncan, first let me tell you much I appreciate your support, your comments really mean a lot to me. Thank you! Next, I’m so sorry for my lack of commenting, but I REALLY don’t have the time to comment as much as I would love to, so please forgive me. Now to the picture. This is a most impressive piece of art, the composition is so well thought out it’s a real feast for the eyes. Fabulous work my friend!
This is a work of Art. Great Idea and execution
This is a very beautiful!