The Illusion of the Peacock

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 Comments

  1. Posted February 26, 2008 at 12:34 am by Sandy | Permalink

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

  2. Posted February 26, 2008 at 12:57 am by Fatma | Permalink

    it´s really wonderful. love the colors

  3. Posted February 26, 2008 at 1:24 am by Barbara Hagerty | Permalink

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

  4. Posted February 26, 2008 at 2:39 am by femmy | Permalink

    Love it, great background and a beautiful peacock.

  5. Posted February 26, 2008 at 2:56 am by Judy | Permalink

    Fantastic arch, great background!
    Judy NZ

  6. Posted February 26, 2008 at 5:48 am by filetta | Permalink

    A splendid arch ! lovely

  7. Posted February 26, 2008 at 8:28 am by Heather Robinson | Permalink

    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. Posted February 26, 2008 at 10:11 am by Brian | Permalink

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

  9. Posted February 26, 2008 at 12:42 pm by Nellie | Permalink

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

  10. Posted February 26, 2008 at 1:16 pm by Kriss | Permalink

    beautiful!

  11. Posted February 26, 2008 at 3:32 pm by Frieda Oxenham | Permalink

    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. Posted February 27, 2008 at 7:32 am by debby | Permalink

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

  13. Posted February 27, 2008 at 10:05 pm by Natalie Roberts | Permalink

    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. Posted February 28, 2008 at 7:08 pm by Nancy Maxwell James | Permalink

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

  15. Posted March 10, 2008 at 11:17 pm by Laura | Permalink

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

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