Of the Bluest Muses Currents Censor This Put down the camera love Field of Posies Mantra Art

The Illusion of the Peacock

February 25th, 2008 by Natalie Roberts

This week’s theme at Gothic Arches is “History”, which immediately inspired me to work on a piece of artwork reflecting the fall of Rome.
the illusion of the peacock

For the background, I selected a map of the Roman Empire at it’s most expansive that was taken from an ancient history book which has been handed down through my family. The poor book is falling to pieces from use so I need to research how to properly glue back the leather spine that came off during this project. (Any tips would be greatly appreciated!)

The other main element of design is the peacock, which is the symbolic animal for Juno, the goddess Protector and special counselor of the Roman state. Quite fitting, don’t you agree?

While I could easily write a good, long post pointing out the similarities in the current issues facing the US in comparison to Rome, I’ll spare you. If you pay attention to current events, you can see the writing on the wall, and while it may never happen in our lifetime, the question is…will we learn from history or simply repeat it once more?

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15 Responses to “The Illusion of the Peacock”

  1. on 26 Feb 2008 at 12:34 am1 Sandy Says:

    Boah wow what a amazing arch. Love the details on it. Gorgeous work.

  2. on 26 Feb 2008 at 12:57 am2 Fatma Says:

    it´s really wonderful. love the colors

  3. on 26 Feb 2008 at 1:24 am3 Barbara Hagerty Says:

    Gorgeous stems, leaves, flowers, peacock! The entire composition is fabulous and your choice of colors is amazing!

  4. on 26 Feb 2008 at 2:39 am4 femmy Says:

    Love it, great background and a beautiful peacock.

  5. on 26 Feb 2008 at 2:56 am5 Judy Says:

    Fantastic arch, great background!
    Judy NZ

  6. on 26 Feb 2008 at 5:48 am6 filetta Says:

    A splendid arch ! lovely

  7. on 26 Feb 2008 at 8:28 am7 Heather Robinson Says:

    I was so worried about posting this theme but now that I see what everyone is creating, I am truly inspired. This is a gorgeous, symbolic and meaningful piece. I’m so glad that you described the thought processes behind its creation. I am learning so much as I meander through the blogs. Thanks so much for participating.

  8. on 26 Feb 2008 at 10:11 am8 Brian Says:

    I’m lucky, since I get to see these pieces as they are made… Very, very cool piece, love.

  9. on 26 Feb 2008 at 12:42 pm9 Nellie Says:

    Oh what a gorgeous arch! Love the colours and everything fits together so well!

  10. on 26 Feb 2008 at 1:16 pm10 Kriss Says:

    beautiful!

  11. on 26 Feb 2008 at 3:32 pm11 Frieda Oxenham Says:

    Thanks for sharing the story behind the arch and the writing on the wall!!
    Also may I just say it’s great to see a nearest and dearest leaving comment on your art!!
    And needless to say I love the arch, the shape and colour and the way you’ve fitted in the map are beautiful!

  12. on 27 Feb 2008 at 7:32 am12 debby Says:

    WOW!!!! This is incredible. Great story and gorgeous work.
    Debby

  13. on 27 Feb 2008 at 10:05 pm13 Natalie Roberts (Author) Says:

    Thanks for all the fabulous comments. I really had a lot of fun working on this piece, and am thinking of creating a large scale peacock soft pastel painting as a result.

  14. on 28 Feb 2008 at 7:08 pm14 Nancy Maxwell James Says:

    gorgerous arch! I love the colors, images and design!

  15. on 10 Mar 2008 at 11:17 pm15 Laura Says:

    A great idea and I love the look of the end result.

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