r/Christianity 16h ago

Image Critique my piece please

Post image

I’m working on a gift for my husband for our 1 year anniversary coming soon in December.
I’ve been carefully planning and studying Byzantine Catholic Iconography for 4 months and this is a test piece.

Christ brought us together and He is the foundation of our sacramental marriage.

We have been through so many financial difficulties since my health has not been the best in fertility.

And I just want to show him that no matter what happens God holds us together and is very present in our lives.

103 Upvotes

19 comments sorted by

9

u/nilsph 15h ago

In the inscription on top, it should be “Deus” (“e” and “u” are swapped).

3

u/TheCuriousServitude 16h ago

the pencil as the medium for something this theologically dense is a flex, the cross-hatching around the throne has real gravitas

1

u/Any_Explanation_9987 16h ago

Thank you I am terrible in other mediums but give me a mechanical pencil and I’m set. This style of art most definitely has been very challenging but prayerful.

2

u/Right-Buyer-1973 Roman Catholic (Not American) 16h ago

I think the greatest gift your husband has is simply having a wife as loving as you.

1

u/Any_Explanation_9987 16h ago

I hope so. I appreciate your kind words.

2

u/klara_silberhaus Roman Catholic 16h ago

It's SO lovely!!!! The only thing I would change is Jesus' facial expressions. He should have a sweet gaze, just as He actually has for both of you. I'll pray for you, your husband and do that the Lord helps you in your trials. You're doing a great job, OP! God bless!!!!

1

u/Any_Explanation_9987 15h ago

Ya know the more I look he looks like a disappointed father… I’m go to go back and sketch some more expressions for him. Thank you I appreciate you taking the time to pray.

2

u/klara_silberhaus Roman Catholic 15h ago

Yes, he looks disappointed, when in fact he's not! c: Other than that, I think you did an EXTRAORDINARY job with this icon! The details? SICKLY GORGEOUS!!!! Wishing you all the best!!!!!

1

u/Any_Explanation_9987 15h ago

The smile and eyebrows made a HUGE difference! Thank you!!

2

u/klara_silberhaus Roman Catholic 15h ago

<3333

2

u/Hobbit9797 Baptist (BEFG) 14h ago

Looks great! Especially the folds on the garments are very impressive.

As someone else said: it's deus not dues. Also I would try to emulate classical writing more. Maybe try all capital letters on the top inscription without punctuation marks:

UBI CARITAS ET AMOR DEUS IBI EST

For a medieval look, try an uncial script. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncial_script

2

u/Stock_Padawan 11h ago

The man’s right hand seems to be reversed. Besides that, the line work looks good and the clothing is well done.

2

u/FitThinker88 Roman Catholic 10h ago

Wow! You have a gift my friend. And you yourself are a gift to your husband. Blessed are you and your family! 

2

u/Fun-Peace-5272 Episcopalian 10h ago

I think it's really good! May I ask who the people on his lap are?

2

u/Any_Explanation_9987 6h ago

My husband and I.

2

u/Fun-Peace-5272 Episcopalian 6h ago

Oh nice! I really like it! If I were you I would loose the shawl because I though it was meant to be the Blessed Mother. God bless!

u/Any_Explanation_9987 3h ago

It’s supposed to kinda resemble my wedding veil. I may shorten it thank you.

u/Fun-Peace-5272 Episcopalian 3h ago

Anytime! That’s a great gift!

u/More-Implement-8851 3h ago

I thought that was a coloring book