Thinking about the stag for the Vision of Placidus
Pisanello “Vision of St. Eustace” in The National Gallery, London
I’ve already mentioned that, although I have more yet to do on the Dreams of Amarna, I have little thoughts, now and again, about my plans for the next Really Big Project, the Vision of Placidus, inspired by Pisanello’s “Conversion of St Eustace”, Elizabeth Goudge’s “Herb of Grace”, my mother’s fine binding of “The Wind in The Willows”, and the kingfisher I saw at Flag Fen. Oh, and the “Chasse a la licorne” tapestry in the Musee de Cluny.
Based on the Stag from Landseer’s The Monarch of the Glen, with an attempt at
The Stag with the crucifix in his antlers is going to be the major character, and while I know I’m tearing into a genius of the past, I think Pisanello’s stag is a bit too tame for the story…
My first thought was to start from Sir Edwin Landseer’s Monarch of the Glen. After all, he’s full of personality and presence, and a recognisable figure to add to the layers of meaning and reference. But no, I think the crucifix won’t settle well into the antlers, and the pose isn’t quite right, either….
Second attempt at a stag with a crucifix between its antlers
Then I spent more time rummaging online for pictures of stags, and came up with another to try. I like the challenging, direct stare of the pose here, but it puts the onlooker in the position of Placidus (according to the stories, he took the name “Eustace”, or more probably a Latin variant thereof, when he became a Christian), and I want Placidus to be in the picture. That said, he was a second century Roman, and I’m intending to dress him in florid fourteenth century dress, so don’t expect too much accuracy…
My next thought came from a book about the landscapes of Capability Brown that I bought for my cousin for Christmas. I’ve told her about the plans for Placidus, and she opened her gift, leafed through it, and then turned the book to me and said “Would this help?”
Third attempt at a stag with a crucifix between its antlers
Fourth attempt at a stag with a crucifix between its antlers
Fifth attempt at a stag with a crucifix between its antlers
This is by no means the first time my cousin has helped me with design planning – it was talking to her that enabled me to crystallise the ideas for the Dreams of Amarna – and I like the photo enough to have three attempts at it. I still don’t think I’ve got it right. That said, all of these sketches have allowed me to think, not just about the pose, but about how I will use my threads to create the effect I want, of the illumination in the scene emanating from the crucifix.
A good use of time, even if not a stitch was set!
It’s an interesting little problem to solve. Pisanello’s stag does seem to be more of a stand for the crucifix than a living animal. Sir Edwin’s critter is much more vibrant and imposing, but rather too well known to do the job. Your third idea looks good. The stag is nicely placed to work in the composition, and looks much more alive. I can see that working well, especially if you can make him a bit more assertive in his stance.
I have seen pictures of stags with crucifixes before – they turn up in several folk tales – and the antlers usually form a sort of oval frame around the cross, which floats between them. I think it would be interesting to see the cross as much more “antler-y” than the usual, rather formal shape, much more connected, glowing but obviously intrinsic to the racks of horn. That’s just my take.
Three things –
1. I’m wildly impressed with your drawings!
2. Pisandello’s horse is also more “oh, dear” than “Cor, Blimey!”
3. I like Sue’s idea of making the cross more “antler-y” and a sideways view will make that more possible. If I remember the story rightly it’s a crucifix rather than a cross, so if the cross is antler-y and the figure glows…
Love following you in your planning stages for the next major piece! And it gives me a break from my planning of my next piece :).
Love the various inspirations you mention for planning the project.
Fascinating to read about your chain of thought. I love the idea of the stag facing the viewer, but I prefer the more natural sideways pose better, especially the one where the stag and crucifix both seem to glow.
I do love the planning stage of a project and you are really getting into the planning of this one.
Wow – amazing sketches. I like the fifth attempt the best.
That stag looks amazing.