Cast not your blame onto Me (for Gypsyangel) by brewgirlca
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
For Gypsyangel whose beautiful Shiloh is here cast as Salome. I wanted to try using hair other than that which came with Salome and who could put a veil on such a dramatic face? Thank you Laura for creating such a striking character.. she is one of my absolute favourites.
There are so many Salome images out there that I thought I would add my own twist!
I am Salome, daughter of the Jewish Princess Herodias and her first husband Herod, also stepdaughter of Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Judea. There are many among you who charge me in the death of the Jewish holy man John the Baptist. But I say to you the fault of his death lies not with me. You accuse me of being either a sexy seductress whose vanity caused the death of this man or of being a frivolous airhead who did not understand what she was doing. In fact none of these charges are true; I am the dutiful daughter of my mother and the beloved and respected daughter of my stepfather. I did what was best for my family.
I was born in Rome in AD 14. My mother was a Jewish Princess first married to her uncle Herod, a prince of Samarian descent. She met my stepfather Herod Antipas, also a Samarian Prince, and in fact a brother to my father, when he visited Rome. Both she and my stepfather divorced their respective spouses and were then married. This divorce was legal under Roman law but was unlawful according to Jewish secular law. It was this divorce that aroused the wrath of John the Baptist, and his preaching became a threat to the regime. This was sad, because my stepfather had great respect for the Baptist and used to enjoy listening to his sermons. But, for the sake of the realm, my stepfather had him imprisoned, less his preaching result in a popular uprising, always a threat in Roman occupied Judea.
When I was 15 years old I danced for the occasion of my father's birthday at a huge celebration attended by many prominent citizens of Judea. My stepfather, being so overjoyed at my performance called me to his throne, hugged me and offered me anything up to and including half his kingdom.
I did not know what to ask for so I went to my mother for advice. Herodias believed that the Baptist was a threat to her marriage and her husband's realm. She said that we must take the opportunity to eliminate this threat. So it was she who told me to ask for the head of John the Baptist to be delivered to me on a silver platter.
Having asked my mother for advice I could not now refuse her. So I returned to the banquet and when my stepfather asked what I wanted I said, "the head of John the Baptist." He was much pained at my request, for he had no intention of executing the man. But having made a promise in front of all his guests he could not now honourably refuse me. Therefore he ordered the Baptist's execution.
That is my case. Far from being a malevont seductress I was in fact a dutiful daughter. I performed for my stepfather, who loved me deeply, and had such respect for me that he offered me half his kingdom. This he surely would not have done had I been thought of as being a frivolous fool. As for being a seductress, it is true that I was renowned for my beauty and dancing prowess, but this was never a crime, even for a Jewish Princess.
My mother might be held to account for the Baptist's execution, for it was she who asked for his head. But perhaps it was the Baptist himself who was responsible for his own death. Despite the respect that my stepfather had for him, John the Baptist could not resist the temptation to criticize the royal marriage on the principle that it violated Judaic law. This caused the potential for revolt in my father's kingdom and surely he had to know that such actions on his part were bound to cause him great trouble. My mother acted only to defend her family - as any mother would. And I, being the dutiful daughter of my mother, had little choice but to obey her wishes.
So think what you like, but I say to you "Cast not your blame onto me"
Background heavily morphed "Dark Nights" by Schonee.
Comments (60)
Great job with the mood and atmosphere. The hair is excellent and she is very beautiful. The story is a very nice touch.
Another facinating account of a well known story from a different perspective. Good intuition and thorough research give your stories credibility. I like the proud look of the Lady which fits her statement just perfectly. At first I mistook her for your Ereshkigal though. Her bearing and expression would also fit very well.
Excellent as always! Great looking work down to the last detail, really like all the materials in this. Your work continues to impress me every time you post.
I love the way you write. Your story, filled with facts, gives us another perspective. I for one have only heard part of the story. Here she defends herself and her actions. Very nice image of her as well. Your work is superb. The textures on the outfits, jewels etc. are magnificent. Keep it up! I want more!
Roxy, It is hard to find words to discribe this piece of work that have not already been used! You have presented us with a very striking figure here, both Beautiful and Strong! She has a preasence that is very captivating and Dominate. I love her costume, it shows a lot about her, she is confident enough and loves her body to show off the amount of it that you see here, it also shows that she will use it as a weapon if nee be. Distraction is a wonderful weapon and has caused many a warriors downfall. The smoke is a great effect and really adds to the overall image. Outstanding job here Roxy and an instant favorite on mine. This image is easily a 10 in my book.
Superb and your work just keeps on getting better and better. Awesome...
I must have overlooked this one...Sorry Roxy...But what an elegant portrait...:o) Beautiful character,pose and POV...:o) Love her expression and 'look'...Super... Carsten
A stunningly beautiful piece! The details and lighting are amazing! She looks SO strong and SO beautiful!
fantastic story and art
She looks like she has some attitude, awesome POV too!
Wow, almost am at a loss for words. My goodness, you have absolutely outdone yourself on this one. The texture work on the metal and the background are fantastic. Her POV, pose and expression fit right in with your story. 5 stars for you my friend. When you post an image these days they are breath taking and for sure have the wow factor. Shiloe looks superb here as Salome. Fanatastic. Gosh I can hardly wait to see what you come up with next. Happy rendering.
Roxy without a doubt one of your best!! extremely well composed. The noise in shonee's backgroung and the smoke frame it well and provide a nice sense of symetry. the jewelry and the highlights on said, are well crefted. The hair is well done - to get it over the crown I expect two renders of some nice photoshop work - all-in-all excellent work on the art. The story of Salome was well done and a nice take on it - the first person worked well
Gorgeous and dramatic. Fabulous POV and wonderful pose. She looks so regal and defiant. Wonderful outfit and hair. And the character is a fav of mine. Lovely lighting too. You were inspired when you did this and I love your writeup too. Well done!
This is absolutely gorgeous work...you show her off so well! Doesn't she just look like she was BORN to fine jewelry and dramatic settings?? :D Amazing work, and I am honored... Hugs Laura
The POV makes this.. Nice job Roxy!
Roxy this is excellent artwork, well done! hugs Jane xx
fantastic char!
Very cool ans expressive pose. :) And, how could it be different, a great composition. I like the light and the expression of her face. Good job!
Nice portrait!! she looks brave and ready for action :D
Always gorgeous !!!
Wow, this is a beautiful image !
Beautiful work. Love the smoke, the background and the lighting was perfect.
Superb work !!!!
Really love this! Outstanding work!
A very "powerful" image.
Fantastic in every way i love um all so for lol
Once again..... great pic and story. Love the angle this is on also. I think the 'smoke' gives it that extra 'punch'. Fantastic picture.
An absolutely stunning image, Roxy. The clarity and the materials, the lighting, the expression and the posing, are all superb. And once again your narrative sets the record straight on a much-maligned young lady. Well done!
Impressive character! Pose, expression, make-up, costume - all go so well together.
Terrific portrayal of Salome and an interesting twist on her story. Excellent.