Saint Bride 1913

John Duncan painted "Saint Bride" with oils, and a kind of devotional intensity that really shines through. The palette here is so interesting – earthy reds, creamy whites, deep blues, all dancing together. It makes me think about how artmaking is a slow, thoughtful process, not just a quick snapshot. The texture of the paint, especially in the angel's robes, is so intricate; it feels like the paint itself is telling a story. Look at the details on their garments, they're like illuminated manuscripts in paint! There's a real physicality to the medium, you can almost feel Duncan's hand moving across the canvas, carefully placing each brushstroke. I love how Duncan is in conversation with other artists throughout time. In some ways this reminds me of the Pre-Raphaelites, in its medieval subject matter and attention to detail, yet the color and composition are something all his own. This piece embraces ambiguity, inviting us to interpret its meaning in our own way.