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Nymphs of the Sword

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A little painting to celebrate the world not ending. Oil on canvas-textured paper, 11.5x15.5 inches (29x39cm). Did not intend any specific narrative, although had the Lady of the Lake motif at the back of my mind, also the fact that swords were deposited as votive offerings in lakes and rivers well into medieval times. (Also the Rhinemaidens, who appear in Rackham's illustrations, although atmosphere wise I was hoping more to evoke the likes of Waterhouse and Draper).

Stock credits:

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Image details

Image size

1300x943px 777.04 KB

Make

Panasonic

Model

DMC-TZ20

Shutter Speed

10/600 second

Aperture

F/3.3

Focal Length

4 mm

ISO Speed

125

Date Taken

Dec 21, 2012, 1:58:55 PM

Published: Dec 21, 2012 | Mature

Comments97

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lackland50May 14, 2020

Definitely think there is an element of Waterhouse here. Been my favourite artist for years and it was my first thought upon seeing it. Exquisitely executed I love it.

ultrasqaurDec 3, 2019

I will join them

ArtFan69Mar 28, 2018

Lovely

Hot68WhiteSep 13, 2016

nice

hannibus42Aug 11, 2016

How has she not sliced her nipples off hugging the sword like that? You'd think her hands would be all bloody at least.

dashinvaineEdited Aug 12, 2016

She's a trained professional. I would advise trying this at home. Actually it's amazing what you can do while holding the sword by the blade... Check this out:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwuQPf…

takuya110Sep 7, 2019

I hope you know the nymphs are (greek) goddesses. They have no eternal life but they were worshipped near water, caves, forests, mountains. The god Pan who is half man half goat is there companion. They don't hurt themself because they are divine beings who live - well a long time. Longer then humans.

hacklightJul 2, 2016

Outstanding.

LETMESEEBEUTYMar 28, 2016

Very beautiful artwork

RobotWisdomDec 24, 2015

Agreed. The water effects are excellent.

BaronNeutronNov 30, 2015

Nymphs love a big sword

ascoli00Jul 15, 2015

God picture

PleaseImJustaGirlJun 8, 2015

You Sir are a Master of the Classics.

rbowMar 23, 2015

Excellent work!!!

HanasianMar 17, 2015

Lovely artwork! Brought to mind one of many favourite scenes from the movie Monty Python & The Holy Grail....

King Arthur: I am your king.

Woman: Well, I didn't vote for you.

King Arthur: You don't vote for kings.

Woman: Well how'd you become king then?

[Angelic music plays... ]

King Arthur: The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. THAT is why I am your king.

Dennis: [interrupting] Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.

-Monty Python & The Holy Grail