Book Icon

[between4walls]

Nearly every shot told. There were corpses here and there, and pools of blood on the pavement. I remember a white butterfly which went and came in the street. Summer does not abdicate.

An icon of this quote from the book, describing the June Days. I've never made icons before, so the font isn't that exciting. The painting behind the butterfly photo is Barricade Rue Soufflot by Horace Vernet http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horace_Vernetand shows the Pantheon in the background.

[Col.Despard]

Well, it's gorgeous! And a spirit of hope in the midst of terrible scenes.

[between4walls]

Thanks!
The reason that image stuck with me is I can never decide if it's hopeful or not- on the one hand, there's something horrific about the butterfly flapping along untouched and the utter indifference of nature, but on the other life does go on, the violence and horror aren't the whole world, and the word "abdicate" gives the description a certain majesty. So...ambivalence.

[Citizeness Feuilly]

I've always loved that line. And your icon is beautifully done. I agree with you about the ambivalence - despite the raging on of the battle on earth, the summer continues, untouched (perhaps representing the will of God here on Earth?) The use of the word "abdicate" would suggest a certain majesty - again pointing to a higher law. And, to me, that is certainly enough to give me hope!

The other thing I could think of is that, maybe the butterfly is the representation of goodness and innocence? Despite the slaughter of innocents on the barricades, innocence personified still remains, in the form of the butterfly. One thing I found interesting is that Hugo used animals capable of flight to personify his most innocent characters - Cosette and Gavroche. Cosette is described as a lark, and Gavroche as a little bird. So that again points to the butterfly being the personification of innocence that perseveres, despite human nature.