If they’re depicted at all, heroines in pop culture generally tend to be more Lara Croft than Brienne of Tarth — they’re pneumatic, idealized Amazons, able to lazily decapitate puny men (or steal their loot), all the while remaining perfectly made up and depilated. The general lack of three-dimensional heroines makes these paintings by German artist Martin Eder, which we spotted via Beautiful Decay, all the more fascinating. These nameless women are clearly the product of fantasy, being as they’re wielding massive broadswords and all (and, in one case, apparently transforming into a swan), but they’re also deeply human — they’re bruised and tired, searching within for the energy to fight another day. You can see more of Eder’s work at his website.
Martin Eder, “Perception”. Oil on canvas, 50 cm x 70 cm.
Martin Eder, “Unexplored Area”. Oil on canvas, 142 cm x 186 cm.
Martin Eder, “The Giant”. Oil on canvas, 60 cm x 50 cm.
Martin Eder, “How to Stand”. Oil on canvas, 142 cm x 186 cm.
Martin Eder, “Patient”. Oil on canvas, 70 cm x 50 cm.
Martin Eder, “Katalepsie”. Oil on canvas, 50 cm x 70 cm.
Martin Eder, “Inner Reality”. Oil on canvas, 150 cm x 100 cm.
Martin Eder, “Behind the Curtain”. Oil on canvas, 80 cm x 60 cm.
Martin Eder, “Chilling”. Oil on canvas, 60 cm x 50 cm.
Martin Eder, “Blut/Blood”. Oil on canvas, 225 x 150 cm.