I have reached back, back, BACK
into the mists of time and retrieved
a drawing I did in 1972 when I was 15.
It depicts a 16th century carpenter
in his workshop, making or repairing
the stock of a wooden crossbow.
The original art on which my drawing was based
is by an illustrator named Paul V. Lantz.
Here's his original which, as you can see,
had another character in it who I omitted --
This art illustrated a story called "The Secret Trap"
by Jack M. MacLeod in his 1959 book
Theirs Is The Kingdom.
Aimed at teens, this book
recounted tales of Christian heroes
who put their faith into action over the centuries.
For some reason, my older brother
had been given a copy of this book,
along with its two companion volumes
retelling stories from the
Old and New Testaments.
I can only assume it was a Sunday School
prize or gift or something. I can't imagine
my parents shelling out money for the series.
"The Secret Trap" concerned a carpenter who,
along with some buddies, staged a fake kidnapping
of Martin Luther in 1521 when Luther was on the run
from the Catholic Church as an excommunicated heretic.
The seizure actually occurred
at the behest of Prince Frederick III,
who then hid Luther in safety
from his enemies for over a year at
Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Saxony.
[Photos © Debra She Who Seeks, October 2021]
It definitely looks better without the other character! Great drawing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful drawing, one of you many talents
ReplyDeleteWow. Great job and just 15. Talented woman!
ReplyDeleteWhoa.
ReplyDelete1972! That was a blast from the past. Do you still have the books? This is super interesting!
XOXO
@ Sixpence Notthewiser -- Yes, I still have all 3 books in the set. We had so few books at home when I was a kid growing up that I've kept many of them out of sheer sentimentality, because I read and reread them all about a million times.
ReplyDeleteTime to take up your creative self, it has been waiting for you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful work at 15 Debra!
ReplyDeletewhat a poignant art dear Debra !
ReplyDeleteyou did Great job here indeed ,Really Impressive work my friend ,liked it sooo much .
oh i did not know this part of the story about Luther's .
blessings to you and loved ones !
Nice sketch. Good to look back. Happy Thursday
ReplyDeleteMuch💛love
Really wonderful drawing. A great way to show off the theme today.
ReplyDeleteFabulous drawing and an interesting story. I visited the Wartburg some years back, it was beautiful. Have a great day, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteHello Debra, Yours is better! The original bowmaker is looking down at a sort of nebbish-looking character, but yours is glancing aside with a more powerful look at something of apparent moment.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Wow, really well done.
ReplyDeleteAmazing work at age 15. Have you been drawing all your life? And, archiving all along!
ReplyDelete@ e -- Thanks! "Archiving" sounds SO much classier than "pack ratting away old crap," LOL!
ReplyDeleteNice job on the drawing. I never could draw. I need a t-square and triangle to get anything recognizable on paper.
ReplyDeleteWell done, 15 y.o. Debra ~ well done indeed!
ReplyDeleteI like your art and the interesting take on the workroom theme :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a strange aeries of books. I'm guessing it was a bit of religious twig bending.
ReplyDeleteWonder what interested you in the subject of the drawing? Nice job on the hands.
@ Boud -- "Religious twig bending" is exactly right, LOL! But this twig ended up growing in its own direction after all!
ReplyDeleteA great memory of strange (to me) reading material, of which I had my share.
ReplyDeleteExcellent for a 15 yr old :)
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you have kept your old artwork - it is very obvious that your talent has always been there.
ReplyDeleteWe forget that Luther needed a powerful friend
ReplyDeleteI'm trying not to be too jealous of your sketching talent... and failing (I'm a terrible woman). I really enjoyed the background, behind the book and your thoughts on why your brother had it.
ReplyDeleteWe did not have many books either, growing up, but we did have newspapers and magazines. Maclean's and Chatelaine were far different in the 50s than they are today.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing and I'm always taken back by your drawing talent. Also, bravo for holding onto this for so long!
ReplyDeleteInteresting story behind this piece. Your drawing is fantastic. I wish I had that talent!
ReplyDeleteMy sincere apologies for taking so long to visit. Life got in the way of computer time on Thursday and Friday.
ReplyDeleteYou draw extremely well. You are really gifted and quite talented. I prefer your version of this drawing. It isn't cluttered with a smaller image.
Great study, Deb, and a fab master to copy. That is how drawing used to be taught. Btw, I have been to Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, it is a fantastic place and worth a visit!
ReplyDeleteWonderful drawing...I envy your talent....interesting story!! Enjoy your weekend..
ReplyDeleteWell you were already a budding artist at 15 and we got an interesting history lesson as well. Fun post Debra ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Dang. You could draw so well at 15. I think I would have been very happy and my life enriched if I had had some natural talent, but, alas, no.
ReplyDeleteWell done! Looks realistic.
ReplyDeleteWow great drawing! Elle/EOTC xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you're keeping up with your art...
ReplyDeleteGeez Debra, that is pretty damn good! You need to draw more so we can all enjoy your artwork!!!
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention, well done on the shading!!! ♥
ReplyDeleteWe just got prayer books or plastic rosaries as our prizes.
ReplyDelete