Lovestruck (Helen of Troy)

Digital, 2024

This illustration was created for the March 2024 illustration on my Patreon. It is is based on the myth of Helen of Troy but named 'Lovestruck' to focus on the devastating impact of Cupid's arrow. It features her in Mycenaean dress being struck by Cupids arrow, with hearts flying out from the bolt's exit like blood. In the background ships race towards the same direction as her propulsion from the force of the strike. 

I wanted to create something colourful and whimsical where I could completely focus on the illustration. Subsequently I've gone for an illustration more based in aesthetics and symbolism than my usual "historically accurate/canon" pieces. This isn't to say it's complete fiction, I've still drawn from a lot of Mycenean/Minoan visual culture.

A full write up including sketches and photos of the artefacts that inspired me can be found on my Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/march-2024-illo-99676764