[WIP 2] Order (Patreon)

I'm working on a background of this drawing. I'm planning to finish this within next week, and then potentially sketch another portrait of ancient Korean king!

Amastri's outfit is mostly based on Achaemenid textiles discovered in a Scythian tomb at Pazyryk. These were woven in Iran and arrived in South Siberia as a diplomatic gift or through an extended trading network. These textiles portray Persian noblewomen in court dress, with diadems and robes identical to men's. Only the veil draped at the back of the head is feminine element. Another textile, dyed in Tyrian purple and decorated with a square fire altar motif, was repurposed as a saddlecloth in Pazyryk. The servant holding a parasol is based on a relief at Xerxes' Palace in Persepolis.

The background is inspired by reliefs from Persepolis, particularly those from the Apadana Palace. The famous audience scene and the iconic lion-and-bull motif were used here. These were originally painted with bright colors, which will be shown in their full polychromic glory in the finished drawing!