#akrin.oc

I wanted to make something that... doesn't actually show Akrin as she is? I wanted to do how I think a court portrait would paint her, taking inspiration from 17th cent symbolism and putting it in-universe 

based on my classes on historical European portraiture from various periods,(I've only studied east asian art as a general, no focused classes or anything on central or western asian works unfortunately), portraits really did try to portray people not as they are but through what would symbolize them well. A hot-blooded person’s portrait may not resemble them physically very much, instead being painted to have typically Sanguine features. Someone could barely know how to read or give a shit about books but if they were painted in relation to books, especially open ones, it was meant to showcase that they were wise, knowledgable, or well learned.

Akrin is Blind. But in this portrait, her eyes catch the viewer, showing that she is attentive watching, and inviting your inspection of her. I tried to make her look almost alluring if possible (Idk how well that turned out) but that's meant to bring attention to her. She’s young, single, of noble blood and title. Shes also very much not interested, but a painting wouldn’t show that. This is how the court of Var wants to portray her. 

I put exactly 0 detail in the flowers but they’re supposed to be peonies, which historically represent compassion and bashfulness in greek consideration. They also represent beauty, love, honour, fortune, and medicine in other societies. I do think this is right on the money, she’s a very compassionate character. I haven't decided, but I think Im going to make peonies linked to Goddess Prophecy as well, so like that would be the tip off that shes a seer.