Artist's commentary
Devastation of Baal
Warhammer 40k universe is immensely rich in content and dramatic scenes and characters.
I am not a player of the games (my wallet wouldn't forgive me), however the books have made me interested in this universe.
The person who introduced me to W40k first adores Sanguinius and therefore I got to hear a lot of stories about him in details before checking anything myself.
This illustration is the reflection of what I imagined, when recounted the chapter 29 of "The Devastation of Baal".
It might not be fully accurate, as I do not yet have all of the knowledge surrounding these characters, but the scene seemed so intense an image started forming in my mind. I needed to get it out, even without having read this book firsthand, and then I might make another illustration following my own reading.
I wanted to put emphasis on that feeling of a humane god, who still has to throw his soldier back on the field.
He is powerful and almighty. It doesn't please him to send this old man back there, but he has to push that mask back on his face.
He stays firm and infinitely strong, and slowly pushes back that mask on Dante's face, as the old man tries to push it away, wishing or the sweet embrace of death and resting, tired of wars and death.
I have since read the book titled "Dante", which I have absolutely loved. I can't wait to read "The Devastation of Baal", and witness this scene myself !