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All Rights Reserved 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/7991f2d0-0d25-4098-9291-6c1c34dbd22a/Christmas+Card+2021+Full+Size.jpg Cards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/33114544-c35c-4eb7-9955-e83ff5b7549f/Linder+Card+2022+Ext.jpg Cards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/f67a484d-5c17-4bd1-8541-af8ed14b1ed4/Card+2023+7+BY+5.jpg Cards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/cd65b3af-cb14-4134-95b7-759f0c81fd51/The+Sacred+Toy+Store Cards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/777020df-523f-443d-8df8-d860612d18fc/Toy+Store+Final.png Cards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/4f9467ad-277f-4b2c-87eb-585c2d9eb6a1/MJL+Christmas+Card+2025+for+PRINT.png Cards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/gallery daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1501798976660-PROG7MPP5EFRJND4ISJF/Kevin+Durant+Webver.png Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1512430998309-6VS7W7LET2DHSEAPBIHW/Kevin%2BDurant%2BWebver.png Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513652247147-MBDPIHEK2QMX19GQ9E7V/rickeyh%28darkened%29.png Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516505697848-VHJK8QO6OI0ROKGOEBSE/Walt+%28Webver%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516516362994-HCI20GKT5V2D8K8OF0G9/Alexander+%28Webver%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1531460159696-ICV6HZBELV87NAC5HI6I/Leo+w+BG+%28Sm%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1531461359866-7U179FP6NF4SOCO37IW5/Messi+%28Sm%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1531462735129-N1NAUMBABRFRD1Z2RWXS/Hendrix+Webver+Sm.png Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1575585155302-WD9MZMYD1SEPH2HNLW1D/Gayle+Sayers+Sm.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1594402918209-4REA1W4NX9QL9XQNT8P7/Johnny+Boy+Webver.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1618021915376-7Q94WB88XUWUHMCZC1QV/Before+The+War+%28For+Print+12x9%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1420782606150-957D49T8F2XR7QQX5SDK/Thermopylae+%28Hi+Res%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1455947070406-F4Y91TQFWT5OIYY7WVU7/Terry+%26+Jay+%28Sm%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1420778287662-TZB8PK5CBDM3R7UYEVI6/Thermopylae+%28Hi+Res%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546903836-EHQ5AUJM0YA9TVNYE5ZK/Thermoplyae+%28S1+%26+KS%29.jpg Graphite - Spartan Hoplite Along with the remaining survivors, this Hoplite (foot-soldier) has stripped down to only his helmet, shield and cloak preparing himself for certain death in the coming combat. His greaves, shoes and personal effects he’s thrown into the sea, hoping to diminish the eventual Persian spoils. Injured multiple times in the same arrow-storms that fell King Leonidas moments earlier, this low ranking Hoplite, gathering his remaining strength, launches forward clutching his broken spear-shaft and impales the Persian tearing off the King’s last piece of remaining clothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421539774129-DDN6Z73K4077YIBLXVL5/Thermoplyae+%28S1+%26+KS%29.jpg Graphite - Spartan Hoplite (In comp) The Hoplite’s form is perfect; jack-knifing his body to leverage every ounce of strength he has left, oblivious to pain, utilizing muscle groups pierced by arrows. The grit and determination displayed by this Hoplite are the very reasons why the legend of this conflict is more vibrant today than two thousand years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421565547992-QBI5REXB2888OFUUTJ5Q/Thermopylae+%28H1%29.jpg Graphite - The Helot The Helots were the displaced indigenous aboriginals of the Peloponnesian peninsula and had different ancestry than the Dorian Spartans who originated from the Latin peninsula to the west. This Helot has a darker skin tone yet a lighter hair color (almost bleached blonde) than the Dorians. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546288354-CCJN1UC8TMMH8WK3LBIM/Thermopylae+%28H1%29.jpg Graphite - The Helot (in comp) This member of the despised Helot class (slaves) has leapt from the group of battle attendants, thrown himself fearlessly into the heart of the combat, and is heroically attempting to pull the King's body away from the Persian nobleman, Abrocomes. This Helot dons no armor, not even a tunic, only a loin-cloth and a wrought-iron neck-shackle. The Helot’s gaze is transfixed on the hand of Abrocomes clutching King Leonidas’ foot. The entire composition hinges on this lynch-pin. If the Helot’s grip slips, Leonidas’ body will disappear into the caldron of the Persians lines, and if the Persian Noble loses his hold, the Helot will pull the King back into Spartan possession – if only delaying the inevitable in the coming total defeat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546978181-IILFQUGHPHIK10RMTNEA/Thermopylae+%28KL%29.jpg Graphite - King Leonidas King Leonidas' Body - King Leonidas was one of the few Spartan King's to have gone through Agoge, the Spartan's unique military upbringing for all boys ages 7-17. Leonidas' older brother, Doreius, was expected to rule. Boys often died during Agoge training, and therefore direct royal heirs were granted exemption. Leonidas, granted no such exemption, was a life-long soldier, obsessed with battle and leading war parties into enemy territory. Crowned in the wake of his older brother's death in battle (489 BC), Leonidas was a career campaigner who knew little of being King. A decade later at Thermopylae, at the ripe age of 58 (approx), Leonidas would have still been a fit and capable soldier, but remained an over-matched and under-qualified monarch. Leonidas was also a religious fanatic. It was this faith, and his own obsession with glory, that lead the King to pursue a total defeat on the third day of battle at Thermopylae, rather than retreat with the rest of the Hellenic coalition. The Delphic Oracle had predicted either a Spartan King would die or all of the Peloponnese would burn. As is always the case, it was Leonidas' desire to manifest this destiny that proved the Oracle prophetic, demonstrating to the letter the formula Delphi employed to remain relevant for over 500 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546354772-3YL8LQY7XD9YD75Y63BO/image-asset.jpeg Graphite - King Leonidas (in comp) In the composition, the King's corpse has been stripped of all his armor, his helmet, and his cloak. Only his shield remains on the ground, and his bronze and leather corselet is still in view, in the grasp of the Acheamid Solider who hoists his plunder in triumph. King Leonidas’ Shield – The last remaining piece of the King’s armor that has yet to be looted is the Spartan monarch’s bronze shield. Leonidas belonged to one of the two original ruling families of Sparta, the descendants of the first Dorian invaders. His shield would have been generations old, perhaps crafted over a hundred years previous and only modified since. Unlike the common Laconic shield, the King’s shield would have been crafted of thicker, higher quality bronze, been smaller in diameter belonging to an earlier age, and been worn dull from consistent polishing with most of the pitting removed. The crest features a profile of Hercules, the father of all Laconic people according to myth. Hercules’ stare faces the melee, as if baring witness to the valor on display. Author’s Note : I based the image of Hercules directly on coinage of the 5th and 6th centuries BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421565641568-471TO8TRAPN9EEGTUF6V/Thermopylae+%28Dienekes%29.jpg Graphite - Dienekes The Spartan Polemark, Dienekes, is the only other Spartan combatant mentioned by name in “Les Histories” (the other being King Leonidas himself). Dienekes displayed the greatest fighting skill of all the warriors who participated at Thermopylae and the number of Persians slain by his hand count into the dozens, according to Herodotus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421549169475-PIUN1Y844TGKIZT1NSLP/image-asset.jpeg Graphite - Dienekes (in comp) In the composition, Dienekes throws himself between the Persians and the King’s body, planting his broken spear into the ground to buttress his shield in an attempt to establish a bulk-work behind which the corpse can be recovered. Author’s Note: I partially covered Dienekes' face, in order to preserve an element of mystery surrounding this legendary figure. If you look closely, you can barely read the look of astonishment and shock on his face, as he observes the bravery of the scrawny, starved Helot pulling the King away from the Persian noble. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566096601-TA3UWPDAITBT3JU2IG4S/Thermopylae+%28S3%29.jpg Graphite - Hippeus Hoplite “Hippeus” translates as “cavalry” in ancient Greek, however this Spartan cavalry would not utilize horses until the latter half of the Peloponnesian War. In the early part of the 5th century BC, Spartan Hippeus troops were young Hoplites (ages 16-24) utilized as part of the King’s bodyguard. In symbol of the King’s retinue, this Hoplite is equipped with a plumed Corinthian Helmet and a bronze corselet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421565806294-3TMMQU1L0R91R2QUYB7M/image-asset.jpeg Graphite - Hippeus Hoplite (in comp) In the composition, the Hippeus Hoplite, witnessing the struggle for the King’s corpse has lifted his Corinthian Helmet and turned back toward the Spartan ranks to call for reinforcements to help recover the body. It is at this moment, when his head is turned, that the opposing Persian Kardaka Hoplite has sprung forward in a counter-attack to fall on the Spartans through the gap in their defense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566561657-YHBGAS8GJ3HW5LZ92KLN/Thermopylae+%28P5%29.jpg Graphite - Persian Kardaka Hoplite Wielding a scythe-like weapon from an earlier age, suggesting an ancient warrior lineage, this Persian Hoplite has just survived a deadly strike from a Spartan Doria (spear) that pierced his shield but which failed to wound him. Waiting for his moment to pounce, he notices the Spartan youth turn his head, and in that second he jumps onto the shield of Dienekes hoping to reach and strike the unarmored Helot, whose grip is preventing the transport and possession of the greatest battle spoil imaginable – the corpse of the indomitable Spartan King. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566279627-IOLT78FPKFOILPCXT0KR/image-asset.jpeg Graphite - Persian Kardaka Hoplite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567773510-0GF7HWL7FBJDCV9R88MX/Thermopylae+%28P4%29.jpg Graphite - Saka Haumavarga Horse-Archer The Saka units of the 5th century Perisan army were feared throughout Asia Minor. However, famously, Thermopylae’s narrow pass wouldn’t allow these mounted archers the space to function properly, forcing them to dismount in order to participate on the front lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566710719-821AVOEZMSNYIIBO7J3R/image-asset.jpeg Graphite - Saka Archer (in comp) In the composition, this Saka Archer displays incredible bravery and combat acumen, approaching the skirmish close behind a Persian Hoplite (Hoplites get their name for the large shield with which they are equipped). Observing the same gap in the Spartan defense as the Hoplite he’s following, this Archer draws and aims at a lethal range for the Spartan Hoplite best defending the prized corpse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567698292-MAY1S016TXB6V6VN5RI3/Thermopylae+%28P3%29.jpg Graphite - Saka Haunavarga Archer #2 This archer got to the corpse late, after almost everything else had been stripped from the body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566884241-YRJVRG6ATF09OAEKYQT0/image-asset.jpeg Graphite - Saka Haunavarga Archer #2 (in comp) Attempting to get the last remaining shred of spoils, the loin-cloth, this unfortunate Persian looter has been rewarded with a Doria through the pelvis, a mortal wound for certain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567612545-F1O5MG7BACA8CFINALEW/Thermopylae+%28P2%29.jpg Graphite - Achaemenid Soldier Ranks of these troops populate the famous reliefs of Persepolis. These soldiers were the heart of the Persian forces. The “crowns” they wore were not symbols of royalty or leadership, but were rather worn by all ranks as cheap head protection – the top was open and would have been stuffed with straw and covered with cloth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567054370-J037YVPOVZFT7POZ2IDJ/image-asset.jpeg Graphite - Achaemenid Soldier (in comp) In the composition, this soldier has forgotten all duty, discarded his weapons and stares in sheer disbelief as he hoists the Spartan King’s leather and bronze corselet. He knows instantly that if he can get his prize back to his king, Xerxes, he will be rewarded with enough wealth to last a lifetime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567483879-V9XUQLQGH00PL851498Q/Thermopylae+%28Abrocomes%29.jpg Graphite - Abrocomes Son of Darius I & Phratagune, and the younger brother of King Xerxes; Abrocomes was one of the named Persian casualties in the “Les Histories”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567241868-68WTWSPC32BLIIOTBH3M/image-asset.jpeg Graphite - Abrocomes (in comp) In the composition, the Persian nobleman has dismounted in order to lay his hands on the corpse himself. With the confidence reserved for royalty, Abrocomes stalks into the gap between lines, grabs the King’s ankle and extends his open hand ready to be pulled back toward Persian safety. He dons a beautiful leather corselet, with scaled armor lapels; the sure symbol of royalty and the Persian equestrian class. He also carries a beautiful Persian sword, featuring the royal crest (a Golden Griffin) on the hilt. According to Herodotus, Abrocomes was killed during this “Battle of the Champions” melee attempting to win possession of King Leonidas’ corpse. Author’s Note: I based the sword directly on a beautiful sword presently featured in the Museum of Persepolis in modern day Iran. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513652203213-Y2J5FY6IG7UB0138TS9M/rickeyh%28darkened%29.png Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1455946443469-CKE08MA261QUTHRBNPGS/macken Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1501799408617-R5AN80CN1UWVDUDIOPN1/Kevin+Durant+Webver.png Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516505471720-PLU5QC6B2E8Q2EPCSSPM/Walt+%28Webver%29.jpg Graphite - Walt Disney One of my personal heroes, as both an artist and as an engineer, Walter Elias Disney has left a legacy that has brought tremendous joy and wonder to my life. Graphite on Paper, 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516516145746-8PNOUES67W8E7TJDNDYX/Alexander+%28Webver%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516514734766-X1M893GML92PKTUL1M25/Leonnates+Thumbnail.jpg Graphite - Leonnates A life-long friend of Alexander and a royal Macedonian, Leonnates was expected to play a large role in Alexander's burgeoning empire. He would be remembered as a hero for the rest of his life for his actions on this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516514032763-XKYQ2G2ULKTSOW06X04O/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Leonnates%29.jpg Graphite - Leonnates (Compositional Notes) Leonnates defends Alexander as one of the only soldiers with a functional, unbroken spear. He wears a Shemagh, crafted by his Afghani wife - over half of Alexander's army took Bactrian (modern Afghanistan) wives - Leonnates famously married a royal Bactrian, and she had crafted this Shemagh for him to wear in battle as protection - not unlike those crafted in the 21st century 2,300 years later. - MJL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516514680732-VRWW4Q3R6EP7H5U3I8WA/Peucestas+Thumbnail.jpg Graphite - Peucestas A royal Macedonian by birth, Peucestas was a late addition to the Macedonian campaign East, but he did participate in the decisive battle of Gaugamela. From that engagement on, Peucestas was a favorite of the King, eventually promoted to the Captain of the King's Guard and given possession of the "Shield of Troy," a supposed relic of the Trojan Wars from over 1,000 years before (very unlikely a true artifact from the 13th century B.C.E, but Alexander's young army was extremely superstitious... so indulge them). As a result of Peucestas' heroism on this day, he was given the Governorship of Persia - from which he was swiftly removed for negligence some six months later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512881208-5XOPZ6JFIQP2JKVTJ1KC/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Peucestes%29.jpg Graphite - Peucestas (Compositional Notes) Peucestas, brandishing the "Shield of Troy," stands over Alexander, attempting to protect the King not just with his person, but also with the wares of the Gods. Peucestas is ducking a blow from a large Mallian warrior while countering the strike with a leg-whip using the bottom half of his spear and pushing with the Shield of Troy. - MJL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512726296-6NE15U3UI7BQC0II7978/Abreas+Thumbnail.jpg Graphite - Abreas A commoner by birth, Abreas was promoted from the ranks of the phalanx by Alexander himself for the bravery he displayed over many different engagements. Abreas had been elevated to the King's Guard for his fearlessness in danger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512149361-HM7V26VA5D9ZKSUOP06V/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Abreas%29.jpg Graphite - Abreas (Compositional Notes) Demonstrating this very quality of fearlessness, Abreas had made it over the wall with the other three before the ladders were shattered. After Alexander had been wounded and fell, Abreas took up position directly in front of the King, hence one of the initial projectiles intended for Alexander hit Abreas right in the face, and he fell immediately, lifeless, in front of the fallen King. Abreas represents the terrible cost of the king's impatience during this infamous engagement. - MJL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512032495-04GWO5R06KGWPQCSALII/Alexander+Thumbnail.jpg Graphite - Alexander III of Macedon Possibly the greatest conqueror in the history of military science, the annals often portray Alexander as invincible. I chose this composition because of the opportunity to show such a venerated martial figure at the exact moment in which he was the most vulnerable during his tenured 10 year military career. In well over 100 martial engagements throughout his campaign in Asia, and wounded over 26 different times, it was this afternoon in 324 B.C.E. that marked the closest, in actual combat, Alexander came to meeting his death. Displeased with the pace and impetus of his troops while besieging a fortress on the modern Chenab River, belonging at that time to the ferocious Mallian tribe, Alexander mounted a ladder against the embankment of the outer walls and climbed to begin the siege by himself. Once on the other side of the wall, Alexander found himself facing the defending Indian troops with only his three closest bodyguards. The rest of his army, in a panic after watching Alexander's ascent, clamored in such numbers to follow him they shattered the ladders with their sheer mass weight. Within the fortress, isolated from the rest of his army, Alexander and his few companions fought to stave off the surging Mallian forces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516507826586-XML7VWHU1K1GZJZVBD4G/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Alexander%29.jpg Graphite - Alexander (Compositional Notes) I extracted all the crucial detail regarding Alexander’s person in the composition from the writings of the Roman historian Arrian. According to his works, Alexander had been clubbed in the head, shortly after jumping off the wall into the fortress. The blow had struck his helmet from his head (seen in the lower half of the composition), and knocked one of the two feather plumes from their mountings (this is a symbolic element, visually explaining this incident removed a feather from Alexander's cap). An arrow had then pierced into Alexander's corslett, just above the breast, and into the lung. Alexander began to experience breathing difficulties from the injury and a hemorrhage left him prostrate on the ground. His bodyguards closed ranks over Alexander to protect him until reinforcement (the other figures entering the frame) could whisk him to safety. - MJL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516945217640-HU188G044E7ZPKJ1WNH1/Mallian+Thumbnail.jpg Graphite - The Mallians This ancient kingdom deserves the singular distinction of being the only army to finally turn back Alexander's Legions, by nearly killing Alexander himself. The wound from this battle took months to heal, and once recovered, Alexander ordered his army to return to Babylon en route to a full return to Macedonia, and greater Greece. Alexander would never reach that final goal, dying of sickness in Babylon nearly a year after this battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516942547884-EBGXDSOQVT6XY3P47KSD/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Mallians%29.jpg Graphite - The Mallians The Mallians, the ancient ancestors to the modern Multans, where located upon a river the Macedonians called the Hydraotes, and was an early version of the Chenab River in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Modern citizens of the Punjab still tell tales of this ancient battle over 2000 years later. My composition pays complement and homage to these ancient warriors, defending their home from foreign invaders with legendary valor and skill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516942445339-8ZE4F21IHD9ATLUVEQFJ/Mac+Thumbnail.jpg Graphite - The Macedonian Army The remainder of Alexander's Macedonian forces struggled in their attempts to support their general once he jumped from the top of the wall into the fortress. The foot-soldiers shattered most of the original ladders in place with the weight of their initial surge to follow Alexander over the walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516941287818-LH6DQ8HRU4H0AWEIKTZP/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Macedonians%29.jpg Graphite - The Macedonian Army In the Composition: The Macedonians have begun to break through the front gate with their axes, and a desperate hand reaches through the gap in a vain attempt to pry loose the giant oak latch. To Alexander's left, a ladder has finally gotten handed over the wall and reinforcements are moments from Alexander's rescue. The individual on the ladder may, or may not be, Ptolemy, Son of Lagos - Alexander's trusted general and friend, who would eventually become the Pharaoh of Egypt and Alexander's' most reliable historian. I left it ambiguous, as historians still debate his presences during this engagement - his own chronicles placed him elsewhere according to Arrian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1531459548625-OCYKZEGU4EMH4MTNRCIB/Leo+w+BG+%28Med%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1531460519842-5Q11BJBGFZMQ0TCE3ETG/Messi+%28Med%29.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1531462391050-OJFLC5IR9OT04IS05O1L/Hendrix+Webver+Sm.png Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1575583941714-Z9JVDONTED1RN0CXHMKM/Gayle+Sayers+Sm.jpg Graphite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1594402595713-ODOXCUQA57IL3O66AGYL/Johnny+Boy+Webver.jpg Graphite - John Paul Linder A portrait of my beloved father from his childhood in his Boy Scouts uniform. The original photo was taken in a coin-operated photo-booth circa 1955. Graphite on Paper, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1618019494501-F3AL5NHKXAZJ53DTCC9V/Before+The+War+%28For+Print+12x9%29.jpg Graphite Based on a family heirloom photograph of Allen Zicherman’s, it portrays a troop of Eastern European soldiers before participation in the Second World War. The soldier in the first row, farthest from the left is Allen’s father Jacob Zicherman (close-up below). Graphite on Paper (with Photoshop), 2019 All Rights Reserved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1618020230666-L5KQ9R0JXFPEDT21CHT0/Joshua+Zicherman.jpg Graphite - Jacob Zicherman (Sept 25, 1911 - Dec 27, 1987) Jacob survived the war and founded a family in Israel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1618020788078-XOCF9ZVMLEAME9TMPOEE/The+Capitan.jpg Graphite - The Captain Distracted at the moment of the photograph, either by a simple annoyance such as the photographer taking too long, or perhaps his mind was focused on larger concerns such as bringing the surrounding boys in this troop home alive from the coming conflict. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1618021081607-XIA0LJE6IGKMW8SW9UAQ/The+Sargent.jpg Graphite - The Sargent I believe the Sargent stands-out amongst the others for his fierce gaze and concerned countenance. His uniform is the only one equipped for late 1930’s early 1940’s warfare, with his uniform buttons covered to further camouflage him in the field and not catch the sunlight for snipers, and his trousers are wrapped for field duty to keep out water and debris. While the others look ready for the parade ground, this Sargent is ready for the foxhole. He also sits in the foremost position of the delta formation of the troops creating an impression he always leads at the head of his troop. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog daily 0.75 2026-03-29 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2026/3/17/lake-como-1 monthly 0.5 2026-03-29 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2026/3/9/13th-afternoon monthly 0.5 2026-03-09 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2023/8/8/the-return-of-oaksan-comics monthly 0.5 2023-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/2e046686-022e-4f0c-86a2-a8ff0ab7dc00/Oaksan+Logo.png Vlog - The Return of OAKSAN COMICS!!! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2023/6/19/two-thousand-two-hundred-and-forty-years-ago-on-this-day monthly 0.5 2023-06-21 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2022/10/21/new-animated-mjl-logo monthly 0.5 2022-10-21 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/mjltimelapse monthly 0.5 2021-12-06 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2020/9/25/new-masterwork-has-begun-off-to-war-the-officer-and-his-boys monthly 0.5 2021-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1601061810546-WJ857F0TPXM7898V52HG/IMG_0517.jpg Vlog - New masterwork has begun... "Off to war: the officer and his boys" Based on a one of a kind photo* of Eastern European troops before being shipped to the front lines of World War II. In the composition, you see the faces of doubt and innocence on the precipice of participating in the war that changed the world. *This photo was provided to me by my mother’s husband, Allen Zicherman, the photo features his father (the young man to the right of the Officer in the front row), however many details have been lost as his family were victims of the Holocaust, with many family members murdered in camps and much of the family history being lost forever. Despite these odds, this photo remains, and I consider it the great honor of my artistic career to attempt to render this timeless and precious image into a worthy homage to the men it features and the sacrifice of so many soldiers throughout history whose names, and hence participation, are lost to our recollection, and yet the infrastructure of our civilization is built squarely on their collective physical and spiritual votive offerings to the future generations that would passively forget them. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2020/1/17/octopus monthly 0.5 2020-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1579287545305-3RC57AUWCCAHO8MK0KQZ/Octopus+75%25.jpg Vlog - Octopus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1579287632387-CMBJAX6MGHEHCJVG3NU4/Octo+1.jpg Vlog - Octopus Day 2 - Just started this octopus study (October 2019) http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2019/7/12/day-3 monthly 0.5 2020-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1562971678205-SHYFLLUW59UO1OYPREYO/Day+3.jpg Vlog - Day 3 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2019/7/12/day-2 monthly 0.5 2019-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1562971474076-99HSA29HR9BGDPAH48ZP/Day+2.jpg Vlog - Day 2 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2019/7/10/been-dormant-too-long monthly 0.5 2019-07-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1562786731358-0W9A1RKU51LY1G6MGPLA/Owl+Sketch.jpg Vlog - Been dormant too long... http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2018/3/31/new-release monthly 0.5 2018-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1522538491620-CVKLOAZQK4RZWUEI6CG8/IMG_1241.JPG Vlog - New Release - That New New... Click on the link to visit my site, check out my new works - MJL www.mjl-art.com   http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2018/2/16/sketch-thursday monthly 0.5 2018-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1518766988572-B0JWA4BT8EV06AJ8EIOD/IMG_1207.JPG Vlog - Sketch Thursday http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2017/12/18/coming-soon monthly 0.5 2017-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513656171605-KZYAONFPAIJLGRESJH82/IMG_1033.JPG Vlog - Coming Soon - Alexander Sacks the Mallians In the works since 2014, I'm finally ready to debut this masterwork on my site. Look for the release on my Twitter account by Jan 1, 2018 at the latest. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2016/2/1/my-return-to-7th-grade-crafts-class monthly 0.5 2016-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1454388441019-NLACFAZWYK6NA0G4O265/image-asset.jpeg Vlog - My return to 7th grade crafts class.... Most of the materials I sourced from Michael's, however the screws, knobs, and rubber bumpers I got from Home Depot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1454388771942-7VZ6Y21TAPH7NBXY895D/image-asset.jpeg Vlog - My return to 7th grade crafts class.... The 24'' scaffold was constructed of 1/2'' Pine, which allows me to get very close to the canvas, without the scaffold flexing or bending at all (a giant pet-peeve of mine). On the flat exterior of the 24'' I mounted two strips of suede where my hand will rest. On the handle of 37'' scaffold I wound a suede strip for better grip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1454389591734-RPPVPGY5M449MN6HLT1B/IMG_0158.JPG Vlog - My return to 7th grade crafts class.... At the head of each scaffold (on the interior), at the point where the scaffold will stabilize against the easel, I mounted a soft-rubber node with a screw, and placed the mount within a soft-sponge, which can provide lateral stabilization (while in the rare case where you mount on the canvas - it will be gentle on the surface). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1454390225536-HIHQ51JZD1IT1B3QCLOV/IMG_0162.JPG Vlog - My return to 7th grade crafts class.... Underneath the knob, I lined the wood with a padded rubber cover. On the reverse interior, I lined the wood surface with hard plastic nodes, including around the screw for the knob, which will protect the canvas and the work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1454390758658-MFIE598J245GYOHXLRY6/image-asset.jpeg Vlog - My return to 7th grade crafts class.... It's winter, the sun is long down by the time I get home from the office. I had to take these on my lunch break - no, I don't normally draft in white button-ups. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1454391503943-N60XGWFGX2F2AIINA16T/image-asset.jpeg Vlog - My return to 7th grade crafts class.... http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2015/3/6/dragon-head-study monthly 0.5 2015-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1425629602301-BTFWTWLVZQ5ZVPQAA05J/image-asset.jpeg Vlog - Dragon Head Study Head study for an upcoming Dragon piece I'm presently designing. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2015/1/8/alexander-sacks-the-mallians monthly 0.5 2015-02-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1420695682310-1EH9MBYSO0ASAPJOLS5U/alexander+in+progress Vlog - "Alexander sacks the Mallians" http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/2015/2/7/thermopylae monthly 0.5 2015-02-07 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/category/Comics monthly 0.5 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/category/Oaksan+Comics monthly 0.5 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/tag/Michael+James+Linder monthly 0.5 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/tag/John+Barrymore monthly 0.5 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/tag/Time-lapse+photography monthly 0.5 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/tag/Graphite+Illustration monthly 0.5 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/tag/Oaksan+Comics monthly 0.5 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/vlog/tag/MJL monthly 0.5 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/thermopylae-gallery daily 0.75 2015-02-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546903836-EHQ5AUJM0YA9TVNYE5ZK/Thermoplyae+%28S1+%26+KS%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546978181-IILFQUGHPHIK10RMTNEA/Thermopylae+%28KL%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421565547992-QBI5REXB2888OFUUTJ5Q/Thermopylae+%28H1%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421565641568-471TO8TRAPN9EEGTUF6V/Thermopylae+%28Dienekes%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566096601-TA3UWPDAITBT3JU2IG4S/Thermopylae+%28S3%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566561657-YHBGAS8GJ3HW5LZ92KLN/Thermopylae+%28P5%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567483879-V9XUQLQGH00PL851498Q/Thermopylae+%28Abrocomes%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567612545-F1O5MG7BACA8CFINALEW/Thermopylae+%28P2%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567698292-MAY1S016TXB6V6VN5RI3/Thermopylae+%28P3%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567773510-0GF7HWL7FBJDCV9R88MX/Thermopylae+%28P4%29.jpg Thermopylae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421539554744-EQG1BQC1ELQK1R5V66CX/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae Spartan Hoplite - Along with the remaining survivors, this Hoplite (foot-soldier) has stripped down to only his helmet, shield and cloak preparing himself for certain death in the coming combat. His greaves, shoes and personal effects he’s thrown into the sea, hoping to diminish the eventual Persian spoils. Injured multiple times in the same arrow-storms that fell King Leonidas moments earlier, this low ranking Hoplite, gathering his remaining strength, launches forward clutching his broken spear-shaft and impales the Persian tearing off the King’s last piece of remaining clothing. The Hoplite’s form is perfect; jack-knifing his body to leverage every ounce of strength he has left, oblivious to pain, utilizing muscle groups pierced by arrows. The grit and determination displayed by this Hoplite are the very reasons why the legend of this conflict is more vibrant today than two thousand years ago. . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546354772-3YL8LQY7XD9YD75Y63BO/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae King Leonidas' Body - King Leonidas was one of the few Spartan King's to have gone through Agoge, the Spartan's unique military upbringing for all boys ages 7-17. Leonidas' older brother, Doreius, was expected to rule. Boys often died during Agoge training, and therefore direct royal heirs were granted exemption. Leonidas, granted no such exemption, was a life-long soldier, obsessed with battle and leading war parties into enemy territory. Crowned in the wake of his older brother's death in battle (489 BC), Leonidas was a career campaigner who knew little of being King. A decade later at Thermopylae, at the ripe age of 58 (approx), Leonidas would have still been a fit and capable soldier, but remained an over-matched and under-qualified monarch. Leonidas was also a religious fanatic. It was this faith, and his own obsession with glory, that lead the King to pursue a total defeat on the third day of battle at Thermopylae, rather than retreat with the rest of the Hellenic coalition. The Delphic Oracle had predicted either a Spartan King would die or all of the Peloponnese would burn. As is always the case, it was Leonidas' desire to manifest this destiny that proved the Oracle prophetic, demonstrating to the letter the formula Delphi employed to remain relevant for over 500 years. In the composition, the King's corpse has been stripped of all his armor, his helmet, and his cloak. Only his shield remains on the ground, and his bronze and leather corselet is still in view, in the grasp of the Acheamid Solider who hoists his plunder in triumph. King Leonidas’ Shield – The last remaining piece of the King’s armor that has yet to be looted is the Spartan monarch’s bronze shield. Leonidas belonged to one of the two original ruling families of Sparta, the descendants of the first Dorian invaders. His shield would have been generations old, perhaps crafted over a hundred years previous and only modified since. Unlike the common Laconic shield, the King’s shield would have been crafted of thicker, higher quality bronze, been smaller in diameter belonging to an earlier age, and been worn dull from consistent polishing with most of the pitting removed. The crest features a profile of Hercules, the father of all Laconic people according to myth. Hercules’ stare faces the melee, as if baring witness to the valor on display. Author’s Note : I based the image of Hercules directly on coinage of the 5th and 6th centuries BC.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421547262302-6BIGQUFLPSVB281Z71QA/Thermopylae+%28H1%29.jpg Thermopylae The Helot - A member of the despised Helot class (slaves) has leapt from the group of battle attendants, thrown himself fearlessly into the heart of the combat, and is heroically attempting to pull the King's body away from the Persian nobleman, Abrocomes. This Helot dons no armor, not even a tunic, only a loin-cloth and a wrought-iron neck-shackle. The Helot’s gaze is transfixed on the hand of Abrocomes clutching King Leonidas’ foot. The entire composition hinges on this lynch-pin. If the Helot’s grip slips, Leonidas’ body will disappear into the caldron of the Persians lines, and if the Persian Noble loses his hold, the Helot will pull the King back into Spartan possession – if only delaying the inevitable in the coming total defeat. The Helots were the displaced indigenous aboriginals of the Peloponnesian peninsula and had different ancestry than the Dorian Spartans who originated from the Latin peninsula to the west. This Helot has a darker skin tone yet a lighter hair color (almost bleached blonde) than the Dorians. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421549169475-PIUN1Y844TGKIZT1NSLP/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae Dienekes - The Spartan Polemark, Dienekes, is the only other Spartan combatant mentioned by name in “Les Histories” (the other being King Leonidas himself). Dienekes displayed the greatest fighting skill of all the warriors who participated at Thermopylae and the number of Persians slain by his hand count into the dozens, according to Herodotus. In the composition, Dienekes throws himself between the Persians and the King’s body, planting his broken spear into the ground to buttress his shield in an attempt to establish a bulk-work behind which the corpse can be recovered. Author’s Note: I partially covered Dienekes' face, in order to preserve an element of mystery surrounding this legendary figure. If you look closely, you can barely read the look of astonishment and shock on his face, as he observes the bravery of the scrawny, starved Helot pulling the King away from the Persian noble. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421565806294-3TMMQU1L0R91R2QUYB7M/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae Hippeus Hoplite – “Hippeus” translates as “cavalry” in ancient Greek, however this Spartan cavalry would not utilize horses until the latter half of the Peloponnesian War. In the early part of the 5th century BC, Spartan Hippeus troops were young Hoplites (ages 16-24) utilized as part of the King’s bodyguard. In symbol of the King’s retinue, this Hoplite is equipped with a plumed Corinthian Helmet and a bronze corselet. In the composition, the Hippeus Hoplite, witnessing the struggle for the King’s corpse has lifted his Corinthian Helmet and turned back toward the Spartan ranks to call for reinforcements to help recover the body. It is at this moment, when his head is turned, that the opposing Persian Kardaka Hoplite has sprung forward in a counter-attack to fall on the Spartans through the gap in their defense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566279627-IOLT78FPKFOILPCXT0KR/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae Persian Kardaka Hoplite – Wielding a scythe-like weapon from an earlier age, suggesting an ancient warrior lineage, this Persian Hoplite has just survived a deadly strike from a Spartan Doria (spear) that pierced his shield but which failed to wound him. Waiting for his moment to pounce, he notices the Spartan youth turn his head, and in that second he jumps onto the shield of Dienekes hoping to reach and strike the unarmored Helot, whose grip is preventing the transport and possession of the greatest battle spoil imaginable – the corpse of the indomitable Spartan King. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566710719-821AVOEZMSNYIIBO7J3R/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae Saka Haumavarga Horse-Archer – The Saka units of the 5th century Perisan army were feared throughout Asia Minor. However, famously, Thermopylae’s narrow pass wouldn’t allow these mounted archers the space to function properly, forcing them to dismount in order to participate on the front lines. In the composition, this Saka Archer displays incredible bravery and combat acumen, approaching the skirmish close behind a Persian Hoplite (Hoplites get their name for the large shield with which they are equipped). Observing the same gap in the Spartan defense as the Hoplite he’s following, this Archer draws and aims at a lethal range for the Spartan Hoplite best defending the prized corpse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566884241-YRJVRG6ATF09OAEKYQT0/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae Second Saka Haunavarga Archer – This archer got to the corpse late, after almost everything else had been stripped from the body. Attempting to get the last remaining shred of spoils, the loin-cloth, this unfortunate Persian looter has been rewarded with a Doria through the pelvis, a mortal wound for certain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567054370-J037YVPOVZFT7POZ2IDJ/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae Achaemenid Soldier – Ranks of these troops populate the famous reliefs of Persepolis. These soldiers were the heart of the Persian forces. The “crowns” they wore were not symbols of royalty or leadership, but were rather worn by all ranks as cheap head protection – the top was open and would have been stuffed with straw and covered with cloth. In the composition, this soldier has forgotten all duty, discarded his weapons and stares in sheer disbelief as he hoists the Spartan King’s leather and bronze corselet. He knows instantly that if he can get his prize back to his king, Xerxes, he will be rewarded with enough wealth to last a lifetime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567241868-68WTWSPC32BLIIOTBH3M/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae Abrocomes – Son of Darius I & Phratagune, and the younger brother of King Xerxes; Abrocomes was one of the named Persian casualties in the “Les Histories”. In the composition, the Persian nobleman has dismounted in order to lay his hands on the corpse himself. With the confidence reserved for royalty, Abrocomes stalks into the gap between lines, grabs the King’s ankle and extends his open hand ready to be pulled back toward Persian safety. He dons a beautiful leather corselet, with scaled armor lapels; the sure symbol of royalty and the Persian equestrian class. He also carries a beautiful Persian sword, featuring the royal crest (a Golden Griffin) on the hilt. According to Herodotus, Abrocomes was killed during this “Battle of the Champions” melee attempting to win possession of King Leonidas’ corpse. Author’s Note: I based the sword directly on a beautiful sword presently featured in the Museum of Persepolis in modern day Iran. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/archive daily 0.75 2025-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513644106847-UI01LGNYU3PLTOGTH7MY/Greedo+T-Shirt+Sm.png Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513645567648-RBGEADSKWFVPPSGCO0AQ/Jabba+T-Shirt+Tiny.png Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513653070086-3IX4TU5R96EWUJL2ZVYU/Pinocchio+%28Colored%29.png Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513653553699-WD33YBJMTP001TEN7CMF/Snow+White+and+the+Dwarves+%28Webver%29.png Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1522536994420-Q9Q5UXG3LLA92WAD05EL/Beatles+Drawings+Poster+-+with+Sig.jpg Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1522538047852-POS6W4ETD80TUFG299VN/Beatles+64.png Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1544767795804-X62HXFJKGC0FCQZLEU2S/Boy+and+his+Cat.jpg Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1575525544828-1PHKIU0KN22EWN79AESS/Snow+Leopard.jpg Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1594867152641-ULYAFKMN9501B74ORZYU/Octopus+Webver.png Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1635228859617-50ZVCR184JSZ5MOZJHFO/Haunted+Mansion+2021+%28Webver%29.jpg Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1646124505883-0UIO0C9LZI2FWGLUNY77/Threepio+Webver.jpg Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1647073103648-NEBORK5M8HXZ3D2DQYE1/Paul+Poster+%28Webver%29.jpg Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513644937100-T76TK4D46GGJ5DDKPR61/Koona+Chuta.png Archive - Koona Chuta, Solo? Translated in the film as "Going somewhere, Solo?" The legendary first line of "Greedo," intergalactic bounty hunter and Jabba the Hutt henchman, from the first Star Wars installment. In the original 1977 cut of that film, Han Solo discharged his gun first, in anticipation of Greedo's coming blow - a piratical move, later disfavored by George Lucas. He clumsily re-edited that sequence in his heinous "Special Editions" released in the late 90's. The butchered sequence now stands as a monument to Lucas' disgusting ego, and how he burned down his own masterpiece in pursuit of his petty paranoia and perceived inadequacies. I choose this design specifically for the call-back to the original cut, and to reference the magic of that original version for fans from that first generation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/92f0ef7c-c29d-439f-badf-0a90af717e7c/Threepio+Webver.jpg Archive - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513651173147-N79UOI8PP49FYUMJEYK6/E-CHOO-TAH+Final.png Archive - E-Choo-Tah! Here is the original draft from 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513645745557-SPVDKS1YLAH8WH0PJ87E/Jabba+T-Shirt+Sm.png Archive - Tiki-Jedi, Tiki-Jedi! Loosely translated as "little Jedi" or "baby Jedi"... This line, from the infamous Jabba the Hutt, was featured in the third installment in the Star Wars saga. Just as Jabba had activated a trap-door, sending young Master Skywalker into a pit to be fed to his pet monster, the "Rancor," Jabba taunts Luke with this jab at the self-titled Jedi Knight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513652813684-1UPIG36TNLI79YL17K3R/Pinocchio+%28Colored%29.png Archive - Walt Disney's Pinocchio Perhaps my all time favorite animated character design - every frame of this Disney classic is a masterpiece. Walt's vision for the future of animation - and for a world of fantasy in and of itself - has profoundly influenced my work and brought endless joy and wonder to my life. This pose is taken from a draft sheet of the legendary Disney (Hyperion-era) animator, Fred Moore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513653340129-41YD7YDHN880SF5KQO52/Snow+White+and+the+Dwarves+%28Webver%29.png Archive - Snow White with Grumpy, Sneezy and Dopey Originally drafted as part of my Christmas Card series, the image was moved from the cover to the interior after the drafting of the Linder Workshop. I was still very happy with this original composition. The raccoon was one of my favorite forest animals from the film, so I decided to include him here. The dwarves are based on Fred Moore sketches, Snow White is based on a coloring book pose I found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1522536515826-9S01AQLH6C1C2W0ZOC0R/Beatles+Drawings+Poster+-+with+Sig.png Archive Due to copywrite restrictions this print is not available for sale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1522537880363-6QMH55DZQC3BLLL3UZIF/Beatles+64.png Archive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1544767508138-PXPV7ULU1991PFFOVJ0T/Boy+and+his+Cat.jpg Archive I based this ink sketch on a photograph posted on Reddit. I found the composition quite profound and thought it warranted a quick scratch. Ink on Paper 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1635228559999-G8P17Q4CJ00YQF18TRZ3/Haunted+Mansion+2021+%28Webver%29.jpg Archive - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1573800206306-64290JZW5PP86E7OBGMW/E-Ticket.jpg Archive One of my all time favorite rides… okay, let’s be honest - my favorite ride, in one of my favorite places. Perhaps it was inevitable I would someday craft an appreciation piece for this legendary theme park attraction. Ink, Graphite & Photoshop 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1575525413903-GRLUPWSKXDK5I6KJC1M8/Snow+Leopard.jpg Archive - Snow Leopard Installment #1 of my Tattoo Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1594864064905-RIMK4PZO80VF4NIAZMVR/Octopus+Colored.png Archive One of my spirit animals, the Pacific Octopus is among the most amazing and beautiful creatures gracing our magnificent planet. The second installment in my tattoo series. Ink & Photoshop 2020 All Rights Reserved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/0363e2d3-e534-4ffa-b4a5-6a5770aac6c3/Paul+Poster+%28Webver%29.jpg Archive - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/digital daily 1.0 2026-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1522536142037-068TMMINRNOOFERL460R/John+Lennon+5+Note.jpg Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1664826062012-DE1I7FCDIQ1AOM54YEAB/HOME+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1671648314547-G21X8HWV7F0EATFYJRVY/Rick+%40+Dillon%27s+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1675058469435-1DF4B8BFIBMJ2QFO3Z9O/Larry+and+Michael+%2779+Sm.jpg Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1676673844782-GP8GNDC0FNQDDX37ME4F/Shira+and+Rosie+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1687380413761-ZHGF4C6MGJVVV8OB3VDS/R%40T+%28Thumbnail%29.jpg Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/7c2a2ce9-f303-412e-a447-06362be0e299/Baby+Pups+July+2008+%28Webver%29.png Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/bd3b9a58-eb25-4be4-9b63-a8df141ac6ed/Neolithic+Solstace+2026+webver.png Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/bd7cbeac-16cd-4a2f-aca1-4d21696a7700/LHF+Webver.png Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1522534894060-3BFQYB6CQ53ULU0XRSQ1/Beatle+Notes+%28Websized%29.jpg Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/37c4b740-211a-44cf-8756-d0d8142ffa94/HOME+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/544a720c-f2c1-4a61-b941-9a4ef643799a/Rick+%40+Dillon%27s+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/4eb97914-861a-4cae-9e61-4d830c81977f/Larry+and+Michael+%2779+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/268924a1-1268-4980-a359-ad1088b51031/Shira+and+Rosie+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital - Make it stand out Digital 2023 All Rights Reserved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/d6f01d6c-69f1-4f93-9ae1-a0b5da21d30c/R%40T+%28Draft+-+Webver%29.jpg Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/0ce7dbb0-85b2-4164-9566-b3845fcee738/Lictor+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital “The Lictor” - A Lictor was a Roman Official that traveled with the Consul to help him administer his office from where ever he was camped. They always carried with them the Fasces as symbols of their office (more on that below). This Lictor is a young man from the Iberian peninsula serving out his office with Consul Gaius Flaminius when he was caught up in the ambush at Trasimeno. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/d9804009-faad-4904-896b-58d50c43dd43/Young+Hastati+Footsolider+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital “The Young Hastati” - The Hastati were the class of young foot-soldiers in the Roman Army who were often recruited from the lower classes. Here a lone Hastati soldier remains at the side of the Consul, whose remaining retinue having already been killed. He glances over in horror to see the death-blow to the Consul, unaware that a similar blow is but moments from falling upon himself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/5083331b-5c8a-44a3-b4e9-e08d8093a58b/Brennus+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital Brennus III - King Brennus, as I’ve portrayed him here is not in the histories (as the other figures are) but a similar noble must have participated, therefore I created him as the grandchild (or at least the third of his name) after the same Brennus who once conquered Rome and was quoted as saying “Vie Victus” - which means “woe to the vanquished.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/7ed6a4af-1def-4ebb-b599-2e6c0c2417e3/Consul+Gaius+Flaminius+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital Roman Consul Gaius Flaminius - Blamed for this defeat, and for the loss of his own life, the Consul did not take the proper precaution to scout the path along the lake, and hence walked his whole legion into a trap and their doom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/698cd4c2-00f8-4bb1-870c-f83d1d79ce51/Ducarius+%28Webver%29.jpg Digital Ducarious - The Insubres Nobleman is given credit in the histories for killing the Consul with his spear after killing his entire retinue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/cc43de60-df3b-4963-9ddf-55a72c3d59ef/Fasces+%28Webver%29+copy.jpg Digital - Make it stand out “The Fasces” - The Rods and Axes carried by the Lictors as they accompanied the Consul. The “Rods” symbolized the Consul’s ability to punish according to his judgement, and the “Axe” symbolized his right to deal out death as a punishment. These ‘Fasces’ as they were called in latin are the root behind the word Fascism, as a result, this entire piece is a symbolic “death to Fascism” statement by the artist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/7bdba4bf-3723-4e68-b683-e1302afcaa50/Hannibal%27s+Camp+%28Webver%29+copy.jpg Digital - Make it stand out These lights high on the hill were meant to be Hannibal’s camp, with the lights of the messengers going to and from - relaying commands and orders in the pitch dark of the pre-dawn morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/93fe5768-692e-4521-8d27-19fe5b7dc4cc/Baby+Pups+FP.png Digital - Make it stand out The photo that this painting is based on was taken when Docker and Roxie were just 4 weeks old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/29baca37-39ae-4ff7-acb6-ab17ff2a6b0a/Neolithic+Solstace+ver+3+webver.png Digital - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/e4e2e505-959a-42bd-a4c7-44035b2a123e/Ruckenfigur+CU.png Digital - Ruckenfigur A Ruckenfigur is a main subject within a painting facing away from the viewer. I utilize this technique here to preserve the anonymity of the main subject, an anonymity ensured and preserved by the archeology (or lack there of) concerning the homo-sapiens of this time. We know very little of the people who inhabited this time and this version of our world, and I show visually, the same percentage of this person as we might reveal through the hard science - but a glimpse. He wears a silver sable fur around his shoulders, the now extinct European fauna, suggesting he is a skilled hunter, but otherwise – I take a small liberty with the flower wreath, nothing of the sort has been found (or could be) in the archeology, but I viewed it as a pretty small leap – or likely reality, and I included this as the one piece of fictional interjected culture. The reach of his torch light is very important, this is symbolic of the man’s wider-view of his own world, especially the part of the world not apparent without the most direct of observations – for instance, the world not lit by sunlight. That would have been a world of mystery to this human being – and therefore is represented visually as such here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/44f2d985-f158-452b-b734-788a52bd0fad/Stoneness+CU.png Digital - The Monument Based on a combination of the megalith sites of Stoness and The Ring of Brodgar, both located on the island of Orkney in Scotland, I created this fictional Monolith Stone Circle to represent the solstice experience of the prehistoric world. Why did I not just paint Stone-Henge – fair question – I thought it too singular, too one of a kind, and not representative of the wider neolithic experience – rather just the experience of the ancient people of the Salisbury Plain. In addition, I prefer the more wild, more natural style of the stone circle featured – with the stones mainly unworked, simply placed – again representative of the masonry skill of the people of this time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/9a114950-7ac6-48ff-8be5-85c45e0f92e5/Neolithic+Procession.png Digital - The Procession These monolith sites were all removed and separated from townships and villages, hence a procession would most certainly have been a part of the rituals and ceremonies – arriving would have been a large part of the proceedings, by their nature, hence I feature the procession as the main action of the composition. What took place at the Monument we don’t know, hence I don’t feature it here – we just know that they congregated at these sites seasonally. The areas of occupation would have been in the shelter of the valleys and the forests, and hence I feature the population leaving this environment, onto the open plains where these monuments were constructed. The procession takes the individuals through a pass in the mountains, then down to the open plain by the banks of the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/ed7117da-42ab-41a3-a6bd-0ee8cad9ffce/LHF+Webver.png Digital - Make it stand out “In the morning, we will meet at the Lion’s Head Fountain in the courtyard, and start our vacation from there.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1774845824880-SVRAE2DNXH5RVE2X2RH2/Duckweed+Close-Up.png Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1774845827808-WJHZNVOSABW71U4V17UL/Flower+Pot+CU.png Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1774845832299-GQ4VFS5MZO4M6QVJR3SE/Inside+Plant+CU.png Digital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1774845833689-D5R0IREKHZDYB4VZ1LJH/Signature+CU.png Digital http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/alexander-gallery daily 0.75 2021-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512032495-04GWO5R06KGWPQCSALII/Alexander+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512726296-6NE15U3UI7BQC0II7978/Abreas+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516513909183-Z5E0LSNGNMJ7U1NI7VVG/Peucestas+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516514734766-X1M893GML92PKTUL1M25/Leonnates+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516942445339-8ZE4F21IHD9ATLUVEQFJ/Mac+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516945217640-HU188G044E7ZPKJ1WNH1/Mallian+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516507826586-XML7VWHU1K1GZJZVBD4G/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Alexander%29.jpg Alexander In the composition (as described by the Roman historian Arrian): Alexander had been clubbed in the head, shortly after jumping off the wall into the fortress. The blow had struck his helmet from his head (seen in the lower half of the composition), and knocked one of the two feather plumes from their mountings (this is a symbolic element, visually explaining this incident removed a feather from Alexander's cap). An arrow had then pierced into Alexander's corslett, just above the breast, and into the lung. Alexander began to experience breathing difficulties from the injury and a hemorrhage left him prostrate on the ground. His bodyguards closed ranks over Alexander to protect him until reinforcement (the other figures entering the frame) could whisk him to safety. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512149361-HM7V26VA5D9ZKSUOP06V/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Abreas%29.jpg Alexander In the composition: Demonstrating this very quality, Abreas had made it over the wall with the other three before the ladders were shattered. After Alexander had been wounded and fell, Abreas took up position directly in front of the King, hence one of the initial projectiles intended for Alexander hit Abreas right in the face, and he fell immediately, lifeless, in front of the fallen King. Abreas represents the terrible cost of the king's impatience during this infamous engagement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512881208-5XOPZ6JFIQP2JKVTJ1KC/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Peucestes%29.jpg Alexander In the composition: Peucestas, brandishing the "Shield of Troy," stands over Alexander, attempting to protect the King not just with his person, but also with the wares of the Gods. Peucestas is ducking a blow from a large Mallian warrior while countering the strike with a leg-whip using the bottom half of his spear and pushing with the Shield of Troy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516514032763-XKYQ2G2ULKTSOW06X04O/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Leonnates%29.jpg Alexander In the composition: Leonnates defends Alexander as one of the only soldiers with a functional, unbroken spear. He wears a Shemagh, crafted by his Afghani wife - over half of Alexander's army took Bactrian (modern Afghanistan) wives - Leonnates famously married a royal Bactrian, and she had crafted this Shemagh for him to wear in battle as protection - not unlike those crafted in the 21st century 2,300 years later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516941287818-LH6DQ8HRU4H0AWEIKTZP/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Macedonians%29.jpg Alexander In the Composition: The Macedonians have begun to break through the front gate with their axes, and a desperate hand reaches through the gap in a vain attempt to pry loose the giant oak latch. To Alexander's left, a ladder has finally gotten handed over the wall and reinforcements are moments from Alexander's rescue. The individual on the ladder may, or may not be, Ptolemy, Son of Lagos - Alexander's trusted general and friend, who would eventually become the Pharaoh of Egypt and Alexander's' most reliable historian. I left it ambiguous, as historians still debate his presences during this engagement - his own chronicles placed him elsewhere according to Arrian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516942547884-EBGXDSOQVT6XY3P47KSD/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Mallians%29.jpg Alexander The Mallians, the ancient ancestors to the modern Multans, where located upon a river the Macedonians called the Hydraotes, and was an early version of the Chenab River in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Modern citizens of the Punjab still tell tales of this ancient battle over 2000 years later. My composition pays complement and homage to these ancient warriors, defending their home from foreign invaders with legendary valor and skill. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/oaksan-comics daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1691443177893-JD22G298CYSR61W8SL5D/Sanjuro+%231+Redo+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1691443253021-BLRCC1TGO94CVU8DYK8R/Sanjuro+%232+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1691443671995-M3FXID75E9JL6NF8ITOL/Dr.+G+Redo+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1691774091455-5JHS1483U4YUYY184FG4/EB3%235+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1691774196894-KDJO9BY1FUJI1QVZT67A/LOS+%236+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1696442772959-2KU6GLFKD0RAL37KMTJ0/Oaklanders+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1696443972157-VZG4B4EDRWVOCC5K6XMG/Sanjuro%237+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1716923408656-3VP2F4GQO1SHFNDZG1IX/Centurion+Redo+%28Webver%29.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1723234635720-WKRSTUFL94I6LDYRM8RG/Opal+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/907ba0b3-8383-4eaf-b6f5-8dff00313054/Sanjuro+%231+Redo+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/8e2c007b-eb48-441c-89bc-2f71bc4d33da/Sanjuro+%232+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/3ccb8731-721f-4016-9bb1-8007a0f62526/Dr.+G+Redo+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/c6da4132-8c07-4b4a-9df3-c7748996ddc6/Centurion+Redo+%28Webver%29.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/e671431e-d0cc-4468-8910-3cc40f54a837/EB3%235+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/fe044137-8a20-4d45-a856-49e3b5722641/LOS+%236+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/91610af4-33a4-47d6-aeee-f805c7ec156f/Oaklanders+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/83c08b1b-e095-426e-b375-aa207c8ee7ec/Oaklanders+Tag+Sm.jpg Comics - The Oaklanders Oakland’s homegrown heroes - Sanjuro, BIG EB3, ‘Los the Mexica Jaguar and Mr. Mojo must all come together to defeat a giant Kraken that has arisen from Lake Merritt before it destroys the city. Featuring my all time favorite Oakland landmark -the Grand Lake Theater! I saved this particular landmark for this marquee composition. This will be PART FOUR, the finale, of the series “War for the Town” covering our hero’s response to the historic crime wave our city of Oakland, California is experiencing. Oakland has never succumbed to the beautiful struggle, and nor shall it now! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/6d54c8dc-bfb9-4e1f-b095-04d56d3a1d3b/Sanjuro%237+Webver.jpg Comics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/067a95f0-0066-4f6f-a805-9e91bb453ac0/Mojo+Tag.jpg Comics - Mr. Mojo Although the characters start as adversaries, Mojo and Sanjuro quickly become allies in the fight to save Oakland. After Mojo helps Sanjuro found the Oaklanders, he is redubbed “The Oakland Dragon, hence the Tag here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/76ccf368-fab3-4b37-be6e-bff71e8d17a8/Opal+Webver.jpg Comics http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/alexander daily 0.75 2023-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516514734766-X1M893GML92PKTUL1M25/Leonnates+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander - Leonnates A life-long friend of Alexander and a royal Macedonian, Leonnates was expected to play a large role in Alexander's burgeoning empire. He would be remembered as a hero for the rest of his life for his actions on this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516938325178-XQDMVE6QL889U4Q43G7D/Alexander+%28Jpeg+Treated%29.jpg Alexander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516514734766-X1M893GML92PKTUL1M25/Leonnates+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander - Leonnates A life-long friend of Alexander and a royal Macedonian, Leonnates was expected to play a large role in Alexander's burgeoning empire. He would be remembered as a hero for the rest of his life for his actions on this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516514032763-XKYQ2G2ULKTSOW06X04O/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Leonnates%29.jpg Alexander - Leonnates (Compositional Notes) Leonnates defends Alexander as one of the only soldiers with a functional, unbroken spear. He wears a Shemagh, crafted by his Afghani wife - over half of Alexander's army took Bactrian (modern Afghanistan) wives - Leonnates famously married a royal Bactrian, and she had crafted this Shemagh for him to wear in battle as protection - not unlike those crafted in the 21st century 2,300 years later. - MJL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516514680732-VRWW4Q3R6EP7H5U3I8WA/Peucestas+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander - Peucestas A royal Macedonian by birth, Peucestas was a late addition to the Macedonian campaign East, but he did participate in the decisive battle of Gaugamela. From that engagement on, Peucestas was a favorite of the King, eventually promoted to the Captain of the King's Guard and given possession of the "Shield of Troy," a supposed relic of the Trojan Wars from over 1,000 years before (very unlikely a true artifact from the 13th century B.C.E, but Alexander's young army was extremely superstitious... so indulge them). As a result of Peucestas' heroism on this day, he was given the Governorship of Persia - from which he was swiftly removed for negligence some six months later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512881208-5XOPZ6JFIQP2JKVTJ1KC/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Peucestes%29.jpg Alexander - Peucestas (Compositional Notes) Peucestas, brandishing the "Shield of Troy," stands over Alexander, attempting to protect the King not just with his person, but also with the wares of the Gods. Peucestas is ducking a blow from a large Mallian warrior while countering the strike with a leg-whip using the bottom half of his spear and pushing with the Shield of Troy. - MJL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512726296-6NE15U3UI7BQC0II7978/Abreas+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander - Abreas A commoner by birth, Abreas was promoted from the ranks of the phalanx by Alexander himself for the bravery he displayed over many different engagements. Abreas had been elevated to the King's Guard for his fearlessness in danger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512149361-HM7V26VA5D9ZKSUOP06V/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Abreas%29.jpg Alexander - Abreas (Compositional Notes) Demonstrating this very quality of fearlessness, Abreas had made it over the wall with the other three before the ladders were shattered. After Alexander had been wounded and fell, Abreas took up position directly in front of the King, hence one of the initial projectiles intended for Alexander hit Abreas right in the face, and he fell immediately, lifeless, in front of the fallen King. Abreas represents the terrible cost of the king's impatience during this infamous engagement. - MJL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516512032495-04GWO5R06KGWPQCSALII/Alexander+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander - Alexander III of Macedon Possibly the greatest conqueror in the history of military science, the annals often portray Alexander as invincible. I chose this composition because of the opportunity to show such a venerated martial figure at the exact moment in which he was the most vulnerable during his tenured 10 year military career. In well over 100 martial engagements throughout his campaign in Asia, and wounded over 26 different times, it was this afternoon in 324 B.C.E. that marked the closest, in actual combat, Alexander came to meeting his death. Displeased with the pace and impetus of his troops while besieging a fortress on the modern Chenab River, belonging at that time to the ferocious Mallian tribe, Alexander mounted a ladder against the embankment of the outer walls and climbed to begin the siege by himself. Once on the other side of the wall, Alexander found himself facing the defending Indian troops with only his three closest bodyguards. The rest of his army, in a panic after watching Alexander's ascent, clamored in such numbers to follow him they shattered the ladders with their sheer mass weight. Within the fortress, isolated from the rest of his army, Alexander and his few companions fought to stave off the surging Mallian forces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516507826586-XML7VWHU1K1GZJZVBD4G/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Alexander%29.jpg Alexander - Alexander (Compositional Notes) I extracted all the crucial detail regarding Alexander’s person in the composition from the writings of the Roman historian Arrian. According to his works, Alexander had been clubbed in the head, shortly after jumping off the wall into the fortress. The blow had struck his helmet from his head (seen in the lower half of the composition), and knocked one of the two feather plumes from their mountings (this is a symbolic element, visually explaining this incident removed a feather from Alexander's cap). An arrow had then pierced into Alexander's corslett, just above the breast, and into the lung. Alexander began to experience breathing difficulties from the injury and a hemorrhage left him prostrate on the ground. His bodyguards closed ranks over Alexander to protect him until reinforcement (the other figures entering the frame) could whisk him to safety. - MJL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516945217640-HU188G044E7ZPKJ1WNH1/Mallian+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander - The Mallians This ancient kingdom deserves the singular distinction of being the only army to finally turn back Alexander's Legions, by nearly killing Alexander himself. The wound from this battle took months to heal, and once recovered, Alexander ordered his army to return to Babylon en route to a full return to Macedonia, and greater Greece. Alexander would never reach that final goal, dying of sickness in Babylon nearly a year after this battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516942547884-EBGXDSOQVT6XY3P47KSD/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Mallians%29.jpg Alexander - The Mallians The Mallians, the ancient ancestors to the modern Multans, where located upon a river the Macedonians called the Hydraotes, and was an early version of the Chenab River in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Modern citizens of the Punjab still tell tales of this ancient battle over 2000 years later. My composition pays complement and homage to these ancient warriors, defending their home from foreign invaders with legendary valor and skill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516942445339-8ZE4F21IHD9ATLUVEQFJ/Mac+Thumbnail.jpg Alexander - The Macedonian Army The remainder of Alexander's Macedonian forces struggled in their attempts to support their general once he jumped from the top of the wall into the fortress. The foot-soldiers shattered most of the original ladders in place with the weight of their initial surge to follow Alexander over the walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516941287818-LH6DQ8HRU4H0AWEIKTZP/Alexander+%28Gallery+-+Macedonians%29.jpg Alexander - The Macedonian Army In the Composition: The Macedonians have begun to break through the front gate with their axes, and a desperate hand reaches through the gap in a vain attempt to pry loose the giant oak latch. To Alexander's left, a ladder has finally gotten handed over the wall and reinforcements are moments from Alexander's rescue. The individual on the ladder may, or may not be, Ptolemy, Son of Lagos - Alexander's trusted general and friend, who would eventually become the Pharaoh of Egypt and Alexander's' most reliable historian. I left it ambiguous, as historians still debate his presences during this engagement - his own chronicles placed him elsewhere according to Arrian. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/thermopylae daily 0.75 2023-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546903836-EHQ5AUJM0YA9TVNYE5ZK/Thermoplyae+%28S1+%26+KS%29.jpg Thermopylae - Spartan Hoplite Along with the remaining survivors, this Hoplite (foot-soldier) has stripped down to only his helmet, shield and cloak preparing himself for certain death in the coming combat. His greaves, shoes and personal effects he’s thrown into the sea, hoping to diminish the eventual Persian spoils. Injured multiple times in the same arrow-storms that fell King Leonidas moments earlier, this low ranking Hoplite, gathering his remaining strength, launches forward clutching his broken spear-shaft and impales the Persian tearing off the King’s last piece of remaining clothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546903836-EHQ5AUJM0YA9TVNYE5ZK/Thermoplyae+%28S1+%26+KS%29.jpg Thermopylae - Spartan Hoplite Along with the remaining survivors, this Hoplite (foot-soldier) has stripped down to only his helmet, shield and cloak preparing himself for certain death in the coming combat. His greaves, shoes and personal effects he’s thrown into the sea, hoping to diminish the eventual Persian spoils. Injured multiple times in the same arrow-storms that fell King Leonidas moments earlier, this low ranking Hoplite, gathering his remaining strength, launches forward clutching his broken spear-shaft and impales the Persian tearing off the King’s last piece of remaining clothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421539774129-DDN6Z73K4077YIBLXVL5/Thermoplyae+%28S1+%26+KS%29.jpg Thermopylae - Spartan Hoplite (In comp) The Hoplite’s form is perfect; jack-knifing his body to leverage every ounce of strength he has left, oblivious to pain, utilizing muscle groups pierced by arrows. The grit and determination displayed by this Hoplite are the very reasons why the legend of this conflict is more vibrant today than two thousand years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421565547992-QBI5REXB2888OFUUTJ5Q/Thermopylae+%28H1%29.jpg Thermopylae - The Helot The Helots were the displaced indigenous aboriginals of the Peloponnesian peninsula and had different ancestry than the Dorian Spartans who originated from the Latin peninsula to the west. This Helot has a darker skin tone yet a lighter hair color (almost bleached blonde) than the Dorians. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546288354-CCJN1UC8TMMH8WK3LBIM/Thermopylae+%28H1%29.jpg Thermopylae - The Helot (in comp) This member of the despised Helot class (slaves) has leapt from the group of battle attendants, thrown himself fearlessly into the heart of the combat, and is heroically attempting to pull the King's body away from the Persian nobleman, Abrocomes. This Helot dons no armor, not even a tunic, only a loin-cloth and a wrought-iron neck-shackle. The Helot’s gaze is transfixed on the hand of Abrocomes clutching King Leonidas’ foot. The entire composition hinges on this lynch-pin. If the Helot’s grip slips, Leonidas’ body will disappear into the caldron of the Persians lines, and if the Persian Noble loses his hold, the Helot will pull the King back into Spartan possession – if only delaying the inevitable in the coming total defeat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546978181-IILFQUGHPHIK10RMTNEA/Thermopylae+%28KL%29.jpg Thermopylae - King Leonidas King Leonidas' Body - King Leonidas was one of the few Spartan King's to have gone through Agoge, the Spartan's unique military upbringing for all boys ages 7-17. Leonidas' older brother, Doreius, was expected to rule. Boys often died during Agoge training, and therefore direct royal heirs were granted exemption. Leonidas, granted no such exemption, was a life-long soldier, obsessed with battle and leading war parties into enemy territory. Crowned in the wake of his older brother's death in battle (489 BC), Leonidas was a career campaigner who knew little of being King. A decade later at Thermopylae, at the ripe age of 58 (approx), Leonidas would have still been a fit and capable soldier, but remained an over-matched and under-qualified monarch. Leonidas was also a religious fanatic. It was this faith, and his own obsession with glory, that lead the King to pursue a total defeat on the third day of battle at Thermopylae, rather than retreat with the rest of the Hellenic coalition. The Delphic Oracle had predicted either a Spartan King would die or all of the Peloponnese would burn. As is always the case, it was Leonidas' desire to manifest this destiny that proved the Oracle prophetic, demonstrating to the letter the formula Delphi employed to remain relevant for over 500 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421546354772-3YL8LQY7XD9YD75Y63BO/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae - King Leonidas (in comp) In the composition, the King's corpse has been stripped of all his armor, his helmet, and his cloak. Only his shield remains on the ground, and his bronze and leather corselet is still in view, in the grasp of the Acheamid Solider who hoists his plunder in triumph. King Leonidas’ Shield – The last remaining piece of the King’s armor that has yet to be looted is the Spartan monarch’s bronze shield. Leonidas belonged to one of the two original ruling families of Sparta, the descendants of the first Dorian invaders. His shield would have been generations old, perhaps crafted over a hundred years previous and only modified since. Unlike the common Laconic shield, the King’s shield would have been crafted of thicker, higher quality bronze, been smaller in diameter belonging to an earlier age, and been worn dull from consistent polishing with most of the pitting removed. The crest features a profile of Hercules, the father of all Laconic people according to myth. Hercules’ stare faces the melee, as if baring witness to the valor on display. Author’s Note : I based the image of Hercules directly on coinage of the 5th and 6th centuries BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421565641568-471TO8TRAPN9EEGTUF6V/Thermopylae+%28Dienekes%29.jpg Thermopylae - Dienekes The Spartan Polemark, Dienekes, is the only other Spartan combatant mentioned by name in “Les Histories” (the other being King Leonidas himself). Dienekes displayed the greatest fighting skill of all the warriors who participated at Thermopylae and the number of Persians slain by his hand count into the dozens, according to Herodotus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421549169475-PIUN1Y844TGKIZT1NSLP/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae - Dienekes (in comp) In the composition, Dienekes throws himself between the Persians and the King’s body, planting his broken spear into the ground to buttress his shield in an attempt to establish a bulk-work behind which the corpse can be recovered. Author’s Note: I partially covered Dienekes' face, in order to preserve an element of mystery surrounding this legendary figure. If you look closely, you can barely read the look of astonishment and shock on his face, as he observes the bravery of the scrawny, starved Helot pulling the King away from the Persian noble. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566096601-TA3UWPDAITBT3JU2IG4S/Thermopylae+%28S3%29.jpg Thermopylae - Hippeus Hoplite “Hippeus” translates as “cavalry” in ancient Greek, however this Spartan cavalry would not utilize horses until the latter half of the Peloponnesian War. In the early part of the 5th century BC, Spartan Hippeus troops were young Hoplites (ages 16-24) utilized as part of the King’s bodyguard. In symbol of the King’s retinue, this Hoplite is equipped with a plumed Corinthian Helmet and a bronze corselet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421565806294-3TMMQU1L0R91R2QUYB7M/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae - Hippeus Hoplite (in comp) In the composition, the Hippeus Hoplite, witnessing the struggle for the King’s corpse has lifted his Corinthian Helmet and turned back toward the Spartan ranks to call for reinforcements to help recover the body. It is at this moment, when his head is turned, that the opposing Persian Kardaka Hoplite has sprung forward in a counter-attack to fall on the Spartans through the gap in their defense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566561657-YHBGAS8GJ3HW5LZ92KLN/Thermopylae+%28P5%29.jpg Thermopylae - Persian Kardaka Hoplite Wielding a scythe-like weapon from an earlier age, suggesting an ancient warrior lineage, this Persian Hoplite has just survived a deadly strike from a Spartan Doria (spear) that pierced his shield but which failed to wound him. Waiting for his moment to pounce, he notices the Spartan youth turn his head, and in that second he jumps onto the shield of Dienekes hoping to reach and strike the unarmored Helot, whose grip is preventing the transport and possession of the greatest battle spoil imaginable – the corpse of the indomitable Spartan King. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566279627-IOLT78FPKFOILPCXT0KR/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae - Persian Kardaka Hoplite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567773510-0GF7HWL7FBJDCV9R88MX/Thermopylae+%28P4%29.jpg Thermopylae - Saka Haumavarga Horse-Archer The Saka units of the 5th century Perisan army were feared throughout Asia Minor. However, famously, Thermopylae’s narrow pass wouldn’t allow these mounted archers the space to function properly, forcing them to dismount in order to participate on the front lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566710719-821AVOEZMSNYIIBO7J3R/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae - Saka Archer (in comp) In the composition, this Saka Archer displays incredible bravery and combat acumen, approaching the skirmish close behind a Persian Hoplite (Hoplites get their name for the large shield with which they are equipped). Observing the same gap in the Spartan defense as the Hoplite he’s following, this Archer draws and aims at a lethal range for the Spartan Hoplite best defending the prized corpse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567698292-MAY1S016TXB6V6VN5RI3/Thermopylae+%28P3%29.jpg Thermopylae - Saka Haunavarga Archer #2 This archer got to the corpse late, after almost everything else had been stripped from the body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421566884241-YRJVRG6ATF09OAEKYQT0/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae - Saka Haunavarga Archer #2 (in comp) Attempting to get the last remaining shred of spoils, the loin-cloth, this unfortunate Persian looter has been rewarded with a Doria through the pelvis, a mortal wound for certain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567612545-F1O5MG7BACA8CFINALEW/Thermopylae+%28P2%29.jpg Thermopylae - Achaemenid Soldier Ranks of these troops populate the famous reliefs of Persepolis. These soldiers were the heart of the Persian forces. The “crowns” they wore were not symbols of royalty or leadership, but were rather worn by all ranks as cheap head protection – the top was open and would have been stuffed with straw and covered with cloth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567054370-J037YVPOVZFT7POZ2IDJ/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae - Achaemenid Soldier (in comp) In the composition, this soldier has forgotten all duty, discarded his weapons and stares in sheer disbelief as he hoists the Spartan King’s leather and bronze corselet. He knows instantly that if he can get his prize back to his king, Xerxes, he will be rewarded with enough wealth to last a lifetime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567483879-V9XUQLQGH00PL851498Q/Thermopylae+%28Abrocomes%29.jpg Thermopylae - Abrocomes Son of Darius I & Phratagune, and the younger brother of King Xerxes; Abrocomes was one of the named Persian casualties in the “Les Histories”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421567241868-68WTWSPC32BLIIOTBH3M/image-asset.jpeg Thermopylae - Abrocomes (in comp) In the composition, the Persian nobleman has dismounted in order to lay his hands on the corpse himself. With the confidence reserved for royalty, Abrocomes stalks into the gap between lines, grabs the King’s ankle and extends his open hand ready to be pulled back toward Persian safety. He dons a beautiful leather corselet, with scaled armor lapels; the sure symbol of royalty and the Persian equestrian class. He also carries a beautiful Persian sword, featuring the royal crest (a Golden Griffin) on the hilt. According to Herodotus, Abrocomes was killed during this “Battle of the Champions” melee attempting to win possession of King Leonidas’ corpse. Author’s Note: I based the sword directly on a beautiful sword presently featured in the Museum of Persepolis in modern day Iran. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/illefficient daily 0.75 2023-11-17 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/about daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/08bc6069-01c9-418b-8445-be901a9c525f/Michael+2021+%28Webver%29.jpg Michael https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/36105451-bfb0-4dc6-9524-216146e948ba/Bouda+Ver+2+Sm.png Michael - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/queen-mononoke daily 0.75 2015-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1420784799527-DR0IAGREITOPYE909838/Queen+Mononoke+%28Med+Res%29.jpg Queen Mononoke https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1420785217119-WPJIGCA1SQX8E4Y6SZ06/image-asset.jpeg Queen Mononoke http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/jerry-garcia daily 0.75 2022-10-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1420786717947-Z4CFK94GN51EDCCPQTBE/Jerry+Garcia+%28for+the+web%29.jpg Jerry Garcia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1420786391105-MAVU66TL9Z94HLHQIEGR/jerrygarcia.jpg Jerry Garcia http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/mike-macdonald daily 0.75 2015-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421627988612-E3EOK10IHJCWAW4DAZFL/Mike+MacDonald+%28Treated%29.jpg Mike MacDonald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1421627808713-CJZCKL1FK25HN43UK6RV/mikeymac.jpg Mike MacDonald http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/victory-marathon daily 0.75 2018-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513153371454-09O4DQBVEHYSWOHR1UQ7/Victory+%40+Marathon+%28Thumbnail%29.jpg Victory @ Marathon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513153655188-YOHEXVGVQ8DMYGDM1S7W/Victory+%40+Marathon+%28For+Website%29.jpg Victory @ Marathon http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/the-linders-2010 daily 0.75 2020-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513654423032-RHZ0UQRL3P6MG6F43U1J/Linders+2010+%28Med%29.png The Linders (2010) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1513654286388-W1HBL921G33UEDL40C2E/Linders+2010+%28Med%29.png The Linders (2010) http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/terrance-macken daily 0.75 2018-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516505387780-QU2VWONWXM3A51WDFQY3/Terry+Portrait+%28Webver+Sm+300%29.jpg Terrance Macken https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516504945164-DQC8HKUURB1I8S9UW9VR/Terry+Portrait+%28Webver+Sm%29.jpg Terrance Macken - Terrance Macken Portrait of my uncle, Terrance Macken, based on his high school graduation photo taken in 1960. http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/new-page-36 daily 0.75 2022-10-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516506168080-AAYS3F6H0MZ93HBU5UG5/Kathleen+Zicherman.jpg Kathleen Zicherman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1516505931984-AMLBTQL9EJNPVSZ2APKN/Kathleen+Zicherman.jpg Kathleen Zicherman - Kathleen Zicherman This is a portrait of my mother, an educator and former pediatric RN, who was the original advocate of my talent and art. Graphite on Paper, 2014 http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/jolene-freedlun daily 0.75 2018-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1544766558217-1HNFVXHLK6M429VS73ZG/Jolene+Webver.jpg Jolene Freedlun https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1544766093887-F2JUWBY624HEU2YLYS5X/Jolene+Webver.jpg Jolene Freedlun http://www.michaeljameslinder.com/haunted-mansion-1 daily 0.75 2019-12-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1573800117720-DNRHB2FDFKLTF26WVNRU/WDW+-+Haunted+Mansion+Poster.jpg Featured https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54ad78cae4b0a068ced5cc8b/1573800206306-64290JZW5PP86E7OBGMW/E-Ticket.jpg Featured A long anticipated appreciation piece. As a Disney fanatic and an Imagineer admirer, it was inevitable that I would eventually add such a piece to my gallery. I hope this piece can bring a fraction of the magic of this legendary theme-park ride into your day. “When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake spooks come out for a singing wake happy haunts materialize and begin to vocalize grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize.” Soon to be available for sale on our new Etsy Storefront. 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