DIPTYCH, 64" x 88" Each panel 64" x 44" Smalti, Gems, Gold, Millefiori, Vitreous Glass on Honeycomb Panel. Completed in September 2009. Queen Esther Seeking Permission to Speak (Diptych)
The Judith Mosaics Series
Lilian Broca2017-03-25T06:13:05-07:00After finishing the Esther mosaics which followed the transformation of a shy, frightened and passive young teenager into a self-empowered young Queen, I opted for another powerful figure from biblical times, who, like Esther, saves her people from complete annihilation through courageous deeds that require much self sacrifice. Judith in many respects is the [...]
Judith Displaying Her Trophy
Lilian Broca2017-03-25T06:37:42-07:0073.5" x 48" or 187cm x 122cm. Byzantine Smalti, Millefiori, Gold smalti, Ceramic tiles on Border. Honeycomb panel, 2014 This mosaic depicts a proud, yet not overjoyed Judith, displaying the head of Holofernes in front of Bethulia citizens telling them that God protected her so that no sin was committed to defile or shame [...]
Judith’s Revenge
Lilian Broca2017-03-25T06:38:19-07:0070.5" x 48" or 182cm x 122cm. The scene of the beheading of Holofernes takes place in his tent after the general falls asleep in a drunken stupor having consumed more alcohol in one evening "than in any one day since he was born". As Holofernes lies stretched out on his couch, Judith takes [...]
Judith Meeting Bethulia Elders
Lilian Broca2017-03-25T06:39:22-07:0078.5" x 48" or 198cm x 122cm. Byzantine Smalti, Ceramic tiles on Border. Honeycomb panel, 2012 This is the first scene in the Apocryphal story of Judith. When the Bethulia Magistrates, exhausted and starving propose surrender to the Assyrians, Judith summons the town magistrates to her house. In this mosaic Judith insists that God [...]
Judith Seducing Holofernes
Lilian Broca2017-03-25T06:11:19-07:00Diptych 73" x 96" or 188cm x 244cm. Each panel 74" x 48" or 188cm x 122cm. Byzantine Smalti, Millefiori, Gold Smalti, Ceramic tiles on border. Honeycomb panel, 2014 This mosaic depicts the seduction scene in Holofernes's tent. Judith acts seductively pretending to be enamoured with Holofernes. He is totally captivated by her charms [...]
Judith Meeting Holofernes
Lilian Broca2017-03-25T06:40:36-07:00Diptych 78" x 96" or 198cm x 244cm. Each panel 78" x 48". Byzantine Smalti, Millefiori, Gold Smalti, Ceramic tiles on border. Honeycomb panel, 2013 The meeting between Judith and Holofernes takes place in the Assyrian army camp tent belonging to the general. The element of surprise at seeing a beautifully dressed and bejeweled [...]
Judith Praying in the Desert
Lilian Broca2017-03-25T06:39:57-07:0072" x 48" or 183cm x 122cm. Byzantine Smalti, Gold smalti, Ceramic tiles on Border. Honeycomb panel, 2012 Although this is the first completed mosaic, chronologically, this is the second scene in the narrative series called The Judith Series. After having decided to take upon herself the task of saving her town, Bethulia and [...]
Queen Esther Mosaics Series
Lilian Broca2017-02-03T12:59:19-08:00During the biblical story, as in my series, Esther, undergoes a dramatic transformation: the Esther at the beginning of the story is a passive, obedient Esther, a marionette doll whose strings are pulled by several men. "Be beautiful and keep quiet" is the message she is given and she understands the message well. Later though, [...]
Queen Esther Holding Evidence of Haman’s Guilt
Lilian Broca2017-03-25T06:42:51-07:0048" x 32", Venetian glass, smalti, gold tesserae, gems, gold leaf on wood panel. Completed in August 2002. A frightened Queen Esther is carefully making her way to her quarters hoping no one is following her. I made use of exaggerated chiaroscuro in order to emphasize the drama of such a moment. In her [...]