Esmeralda Musical Spirit

Finally! This piece took a long time. From concept to completion, a lot of hard work and thought went into this picture. It is a submission for the Culture contest in .

I chose Music as the inspirational word, and then delved into some research about Gypsies. I was always fascinated by the gypsies in the movie Hunchback of Notre Dame. Little did I know that the Romani people are still very much around! What I read about them, was sad, and like other cultures that are 'different' they have been persecuted for a very long time. And still are!

For this nomadic people, music is a deep part of their culture for several reasons. Esmeralda uses it as a means to earn money. Busking is a still a popular choice for those who move around, and I for one enjoy the sounds of practiced hands on a weather beaten instrument.

The background is meant to represent Fire. Esmeralda has a fiery spirit, and a strong belief in justice. Also, Frolo condemns her to the "hell fire". And lastly, it is a fate the Romani or "gypsy" people have suffered over their history.

I hope you like this! Done entirely with Prismacolor Markers.

Esmeralda (c) Disney
art (c) me