Saturnalia on Hadrian's Wall Series
This series depicts imagined inhabitants of the vicus (town) outside the Roman fort of Vindolanda on Hadrians Wall during the winter festival of Saturnalia.
Somewhere Along the Limes
Digital, 2021
Wanting to depict Romans in an environment other than the usual Mediterranean sun, I chose to illustrate this couple gathering greenery for their Saturnalia decorations in snowy Roman Britain. The clothing was inspired by Peter Connolly’s depictions of Roman-Britons, where items of clothing are woven in a check pattern like the local clothing.
Saturnalia at Vindolanda
Digital, 2022
This illustration continues the scene from the previous year. The couple, Julia and Gavo, reside in Vindolanda’s vicus (civilian town). They work as traders and own a small plot of land next to the house where they keep their cow. They’ve invited their neighbours over for a late night of Saturnalian cheer and wine!
Saturnalia Amongst Friends
Digital, 2023
Gavo and Julia and their friends are now inside eating a meal and exchanging gifts, and drinking some lovely wine of course! Licinius (man in red) is a Syrian archer stationed at Housesteads fort visiting the couple, and Sulpicius (man in blue) is a Gallic soldier stationed at Vindolanda. Tancorix is a local Briton woman who has befriended Julia and joined the Romans for their Saturnalia.
Created for the Flaroh Illustration Patreon’s December 2021, 2022, & 2023 illustrations.
If you are interested in purchasing these illustrations as prints, they are available now on my shop.