Part of series of Illustrations inspired by old etchings, following a theme of occult objects and artifacts.
Text selected from old 18th century poem.
A hand of glory is the severed hand of a hanged criminal. Preferably a thief or murderer. It is turned into a candle from fat rendered from the same body. When lit in a dwelling any sleeping cannot wake as long as the Hand of Glory burns. If there are any who remain awake in the home, the candle refuses to light. Used by thieves in the medieval times to rob homes. There are other less common uses by this was the most common.
Medium: Digital Ink, Digital colour.
Text selected from old 18th century poem.
A hand of glory is the severed hand of a hanged criminal. Preferably a thief or murderer. It is turned into a candle from fat rendered from the same body. When lit in a dwelling any sleeping cannot wake as long as the Hand of Glory burns. If there are any who remain awake in the home, the candle refuses to light. Used by thieves in the medieval times to rob homes. There are other less common uses by this was the most common.
Medium: Digital Ink, Digital colour.
"Now mount who list,
and close by the wrist
sever me quickly the
Dead man's fist!
Now climb who dare
where he swings in the air.
And pluck me five locks
of the dead man's hair!"
"Now open lock
and close by the wrist
sever me quickly the
Dead man's fist!
Now climb who dare
where he swings in the air.
And pluck me five locks
of the dead man's hair!"
"Now open lock
to the dead man's knock
Fly bolt and bar and band
nor move nor swerve
joint, muscle or nerve
at the spell of the
nor move nor swerve
joint, muscle or nerve
at the spell of the
dead man's hand
sleep all who sleep
wake all who wake
but be as the deas for the
dead man's sake"
-Text selected from old 18th century poem.
sleep all who sleep
wake all who wake
but be as the deas for the
dead man's sake"
-Text selected from old 18th century poem.
