The Les Amis Cluster (NGC 61832) is a group of stars found in the constellation of Patria. It was reportedly discovered by an E. Raca in 1848, and lies approximately 24,601 light years from Earth. The nine brightest stars in the cluster were once believed to be the celestial manifestations of nine friends who died together at the barricades, and are generally considered to represent the tripartite motto Liberté, égalité, fraternité.
[I haven’t painted spacescapes in - forever! not that I was ever any good at them, mind.]
Inspired by the segment in EstelRaca’s beautiful AU story, To Follow, in which Enjolras and Combeferre are looking at the stars. I didn’t want to make this the Pleiades for obvious reasons, so I came up with their own cluster, LOL. [Which doesn’t exist - also, obviously. If you didn’t already know this, you deserve a kick in the seat.]
Not sure if this is even categorizable as “LM fanart” since, well, no faces, but it’s probably also the most peculiar thing you’ll get from me. Star placement for the nine are most definitely not random, ; gift art for whoever works it out correctly. ;) [Feel free to write on the picture.]
Thanks to Despard (as always) who let me pick her brain, and who named the cluster; and apologies to Marguerite, whom I confronted (from out of the blue) with what was probably one of the most bizarre question ever put to her in the name of LM fanart.
Oh my gosh amazement, ok, quick totally sensible diversion time.
















