Shawn Edwards- Rape of Innocence

A skeletal figure, adorned only with a papal mitre, wields an axe in one hand and a rosary in the other, its foot resting on a bible. Before it stands a small, naked child, turned away from us, the fear or tears palpable even without seeing the face. Edwards' composition is stark and clean, the white background serving to amplify the intricate details of the figures. This piece is a poignant commentary on innocence lost, power misused, and faith betrayed.
Artist: 
Shawn Edwards
Year: 
2002

"Rape of Innocence," a graphite drawing from 2002, presents a chilling tableau that is both haunting and provocative. A skeletal figure, adorned only with a papal mitre, wields an axe in one hand and a rosary in the other, its foot resting on a bible. Before it stands a small, naked child, turned away from us, the fear or tears palpable even without seeing the face. Edwards' composition is stark and clean, the white background serving to amplify the intricate details of the figures. This piece is a poignant commentary on innocence lost, power misused, and faith betrayed.

Graphite on acid-free illustration board

Dimensions: 20" x 30" (50.80 x 76.20 cm)