Ritus Ara - Rite of Sanctuary

This is probably one of my most extensive works to date. A commission from His Divine Shadow, the conception of the idea was in September 2003, but circumstances delayed its completion until January 2004. The painting's inspiration comes from an excerpt of In Vain Doth Valour Bleed Chapter 17. It depicts Antares de la Somme's Gouf Custom kneeling before the Muensterkirche St. Bonifatius of Hameln, Germany, seeking the mayor to perform the Rite of Sanctuary for the 10th Panzerkaempfer in their retreat from overwhelming Titans forces.

Extensive research was done on the architecture and layout of the area around the cathedral, but I took a few liberties with the lighting.

His Divine Shadow is currently on duty in Iraq, and I wish for all of you to join me in wishing him, along with the rest of the soldiers on duty there, a safe (as much as possible) stay and a safe trip home, whenever that might be.