A Knight of Cydonia by eilidh

This was done back in early 2016 for an art anthology, and was under NDA until about last April, when the project fell through.

I usually don't have very much to say about my works, but there had to be a bit of text going with the image in the book, so here it is:

"When I saw the first image of a sunset on Mars, sent by NASA's Curiosity Rover back in 2005, I was captivated by its unexpected colours. Since then, I have often imagined Mars at a time when life may have existed on it, though the world itself was dying. It was against such a backdrop I also imagined this woman; riding to battle, grim and determined, her presence had lingered on my mind a long while before I sat down to paint her.

The title is a nod to Muse’s song, Knights of Cydonia."

syrval Featured By Owner Feb 15, 2018 Student Traditional Artist

Both the character and the painting style feel so weathered and sombre, it's not hard to imagine this is a dying world.

eilidh Featured By Owner Feb 20, 2018 Professional Digital Artist

Thank you. That was more or less the idea: riding out to a futile battle.

eastcorkpainter Featured By Owner Feb 15, 2018 Traditional Artist

Hi Eleni. Such an interesting backstory. The sunset on Mars is indeed strange. I really like the hands how they hold the reins and flagstaff. Beautiful colours throughout as well.