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DouglasRamsey — Pilgrim's Progress: Chained Lions
Published: 2014-05-13 14:52:03 +0000 UTC; Views: 9717; Favourites: 214; Downloads: 0
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Description
Acrylic on illustration board, 20" x 30"
Just then the porter at the lodge, whose name is Watchful, seeing that Christian had stopped his progress as if he would go back, cried out to him, asking, “Is your strength so small?” Don’t fear the lions, for they are chained and are placed there to test your faith and to discover those who have none. Keep in the middle of the path, and no harm shall come to you.
– John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress
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Comments: 50
I like the fact the man is called Christian is this Symbolic at all ? and is the porter a euphemism for God or anything ?
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Oh sure, the book is loaded with symbolism. What's being symbolized is usually made clear by the names given (Christian, Giant Despair, Doubting Castle, etc.) though somethings are more ambiguous such as the porter and the lions here. I think the porter Watchful actually represents a pastor.
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Wow! I remember this scene... it's such a stunning message, and powerfully recreated here
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Thanks much! Bunyan had a real talent for making abstract truths into tangible imagery. There were several other scenes I would have liked to do if I'd had time.
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which are those?
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Escape from Giant Despair and Doubting Castle, Crossing the Valley of the Shadow of Death, Armoring to Battle Apollyon all had preliminary concept sketches. And there are others I'd try if I could think of a way to do them that hasn't already been tried.
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It's exciting to have all the possibilities!
Definitely the escape from doubting castle would be an emotive one...
I guess taking on one project at a time is all one can do.
(I sort of understand how you feel.. there are so many ideas one wants to take on,
but alas.. time and work limits them.) But the ones that get done are there to stay.. : )
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I desperately need to re-read this book...
Amazing art! I especially like the glowy eyes. It definitely highlights the supernatural elements of the source material, and it's also totally accurate, given feline retinas. I can't tell you how many times I looked down into the basement to see two golden green orbs looking back up at me. If it were a lion, though, I just might be a bit more freaked out...
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Yeah, except in this case the light source is behind them. But since this piece technically belongs to the genre of fantasy/allegory it doesn't have to be scientifically accurate which was a nice change of pace for me. If you find a lion in your basement though, I think a freak out would be appropriate. Thanks for your kind words!
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Amazing work and a very inspirational description!
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Thanks! The description is lifted straight from the book, which is pretty inspirational as a whole.
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I might read it someday. I will put it on my list!
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Wow, that is an amazing piece and an inspirational description. Astonishing.
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Thanks so much! The description is lifted straight from the book, which is pretty inspirational as a whole.
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Yes, I agree. The truth is very inspiring. <3
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wow so wonderful work ,so fantastic style ,so amazing color , so excellent background , so brilliant characters , so beautiful lions.
would be so awsome when the christian would kill this lions ^^
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Thanks, I appreciate that very much!
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I absolutely LOVE this. Wow. Amazing job. God bless!
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Very dramatic, detailed, life-like, and all around incredible!
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Never get tired of hearing think like that. Thanks very much!
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I had forgot the significance of the two lions and now I remember.
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Bunyan doesn’t explicitly say what they symbolize but generally speaking, it’s probably persecution, which can come in a variety of specific forms. At the time the story was written in 17th century England the lions were most likely the English state and Anglican church.
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I think there are a couple of movies based on this story, though I can't say if they're any good since I haven't seen them.
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Yeah. I realised there's an old one with Liam Neelson. But should make a new one for this generation.
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