{fanart} The Mirror of His Soul

[altocello]

Title: The Mirror of His Soul
Prompt #: #31, Merlin as Dorian Gray
Rating: G is for Gothic (and Gen Audiences)
Character(s)/Pairing(s): Merlin, Emrys
Medium: Pencil on sketchbook paper
Warnings: Creepy?
Summary: Merlin as Dorian Gray. Specifically, "This portrait would be to him the most magical of mirrors. As it had revealed to him his own body, so it would reveal to him his own soul. And when winter came upon it, he would still be standing where spring trembles on the verge of summer. When the blood crept from its face, and left behind a pallid mask of chalk with leaden eyes, he would keep the glamour of boyhood. Not one blossom of his loveliness would ever fade. Not one pulse of his life would ever weaken. Like the gods of the Greeks, he would be strong, and fleet, and joyous. What did it matter what happened to the coloured imaged on the canvas? He would be safe. That was everything." -The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

Notes: Many thanks to my awesome beta, amphigoury, for her help with brainstorming for this one, and for catching those little things that make such a big difference! And I would be remiss if I didn't mention my faithful and wonderful cheerleader, k_nightfox, who helped keep my spirits up when I had my inevitable moments of self doubt. *hugs you both* Thanks also to Shine and Merlinskeep for the promo photos I used of Emrys and Merlin, and to Google for helping me find photos of Oscar Wilde. That's his velvet suit that Merlin is wearing. And yeah, I chose my own prompt. LOL!



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Comments

[bunnysworld.livejournal.com]

Did anyone actually not see that this was yours? ;)

[altocello.livejournal.com]

I know a fair few of the folks that know me well guessed straight off (rockn, nick come to mind right away, lol). I really made no attempt at all to hide my style :D

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Very , very nice! And fantastically creepy! Love the expression on young!Merlin's face and the way he's stroking the picture.

Stacey

[altocello.livejournal.com]

Thank you! It's missing all the normal horror gory bits, but I figured that Dorian Gray was one of the first Gothic Horror novels, so it'd work so long as I managed to get the emotions right. And, YAY! You noticed the stroking! Yes, he's very possessive of and rather smug about his portrait! <3

[loaded-march.livejournal.com]

Man, this is just awesome. The fine details blow me away as usual!

Well done, cello!

[altocello.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, LM!

[amphigoury.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad to have helped! It turned out great!!! I love that touch gesture! WAY TO GO CELLO!!!!

[altocello.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Amph! You da bestest. *hugs* That touch gesture really made the whole thing for me, I'm so glad I finally got it to work! Thanks again for helping me keep it real! <3

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

I really like the intense look on Merlin's face and the way he's stroking that picture made me shiver. Great job!

[altocello.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much! Not a lot of blood and guts in this one, so I had to make it intimidating in other ways, and that possessive pose was a crucial piece (to me, anyway!) so I'm very glad it came across well!

[fuckyeah.livejournal.com]

Cello, you know I love this piece, but Imma going to say it again! I love this piece! It's creepy without resulting to blood and/or gore, and Merlin's gaze always gives me shivers!

[altocello.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Tempy! I have to say that at first I hesitated at signing up, because I don't usually do much blood or gore, but amphigoury was an excellent enabler and encouraged me to go for it, lol. I'm very happy to know that my attempt at gothic, psychological horror works so well for you!