15.12.08

In Honor, Slightly Belated, of S. Lucy of Syracuse



Matthew Alderman. S. Lucy of Syracuse. Ink on Vellum. February 2008. Private Collection, Philadelphia.

A somewhat-refined variation on an earlier work of mine, this image shows her less-well-known but more literal attribute of a flame, i.e., light, rather than the usual eyeballs in a dish. The undulating, wave-like pattern on her dress is meant to represent the vapor rising off the boiling water (or was it oil?) which occupied one less memorable part of her martyrdom, though it is also suggestive of candle-smoke.

2 comments:

Ben Hatke said...

I like this one better. Beautiful profile.

J.R.Howley said...

Wonderful pose and feeling. Nice lines and well drafted. It's a pleasure to see such fine care and craftsmanship.