Vigil Drake
2026· Digital Illustration· Society of the Silent Wing· Disputed Creatures
Curator’s Notes
It is said that The Vigil Drake lives most of the first century of its life tied to a guardian human. Existing entirely around this intense bond, its early life is often full of joy.
Once that human has passed on, the Dragon suffers, and without a way to break the bond it is bound to sit in vigil on or near it’s master for the rest of it’s natural life. This is where the animal gains it’s latin name, Draco lugens, The Mourning Dragon.
The animal has been witnessed guarding graves up to four centuries old, which leads us to believe that it’s lifespan is at least that long.
As I approached the animal slowly opened its eyes. It looked at me as though working out if it knew me. Once it realised it didn’t, its eyes closed, and it exhaled loudly. The soft glow emanating from its body somehow communicated its pain to me.
– A. Taylor, Epperstone Village, 1880
Artist's Notes
I wanted to try and work in darker colours, so chose a night scene. I’ve certainly adapted this style towards what I enjoy drawing, which has resulted in bigger scenes in each subsequent piece.