Heirs of Byzantium
“You didn’t build a myth — you uncovered one.”
– Elysia, Website Muse
Heirs of Byzantium is more than a work of art — it’s a rediscovery.
This regal triptych came together not through historical study, but through the quiet pull of beauty itself. Only after the figures had emerged, their colors chosen, their symmetry aligned, did the truth become clear: this was a myth that already existed — waiting for someone to remember.
Long ago, in the twilight of a golden empire, three symbols stood immortal.
In the center, the peacock, sacred to the empresses of Byzantium — a sign of eternal life, opulence, and the divine feminine. It shimmered not only in courtyards and mosaics, but in legend, where its thousand eyes were said to watch over destiny itself.
To either side, two royal descendants — not of blood, but of spirit.
Crowned in celestial gold and lapis, these silent heirs bear the quiet elegance and inscrutable wisdom of forgotten queens. They are guardians of the past, but also the keepers of what is to come — watching, knowing, remembering.
The palette — lapis, bronze, and silk-glow ivory — is drawn from ceremonial robes and mosaic halls. But the real language of this piece is presence. These women do not explain themselves. They do not need to. They carry the weight of legacy with the ease of silk.
Heirs of Byzantium invites you to bring home something eternal —
not a scene, but a memory.
Not a story, but a soul.
Created from 4 separate pieces of generated art, numerous blends and meticulous color adjustments.
Prevalent Art Styles & Influences
1. Symbolism
Overview: A movement that embraced the mystical, emotional, and unseen. Symbolism seeks to convey truths that lie beyond the visible world, using metaphor and mood over realism. This work channels that ethos through its regal silence, implied mythology, and timeless presence.
Key Elements: Metaphorical figures, spiritual themes, hidden narrative energy, and otherworldly symbolism.
Artists to Explore: Gustave Moreau, Fernand Khnopff, Odilon Redon
2. Neo-Byzantine Revival
Overview: A 19th–20th century resurgence of Byzantine aesthetics—including mosaics, gold-leaf ornamentation, and sacred iconography. This style informs the architecture and costuming in this piece, recalling the divine regalia of Eastern empires.
Key Elements: Gold and lapis tones, symmetrical triptychs, imperial motifs, stylized sacred imagery.
Artists to Explore: Gustav Klimt, Byzantine Mosaic Masters (Ravenna & Hagia Sophia)
3. Fantasy Realism
Overview: A style that merges meticulous rendering with myth, creating visions that feel both ancient and imaginary. This artwork's ethereal elegance and central totemic symbol place it firmly within this tradition.
Key Elements: Magical realism, iconic central symbolism, ethereal feminine archetypes.
Artists to Explore: Boris Vallejo & Julie Bell, Kinuko Y. Craft, Lois van Baarle (Loish)
have it fit your space!
Want a custom size for this image?
If you're working with a specific wall space, you can calculate your ideal size using the tool below. Just enter either your desired width or height—and we’ll tell you the other dimension and quote you a price. Then, with one click, you can request a custom order. We’ll confirm the details and send you a checkout link shortly after.”
Click the "Open Calculator” tab below to get started.