Scripture
Isaiah 65:17-19, 25 (ESV)
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress. The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.“
AI Prompt
An image depicting a lion and a lamb lying down together, in a style reminiscent of Caravaggio. The scene should reflect Caravaggio's use of dramatic lighting and realistic detail, characteristic of his work. The lion and lamb are portrayed in a peaceful setting, with the lighting highlighting their textures and expressions, symbolizing unity and peace. The background should be minimal, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the dramatic and emotional impact of the scene in the Baroque style of Caravaggio.
Process/Reflection
Initially, I tried to go bigger with this image--a scene of several animals living together peacefully in a pastoral setting. But AI struggles with multiple subjects. It was giving me a lot of "freaks of nature"--sheep with deer horns, two-headed creatures, etc. So I decided to try an image of just a lion and a lamb. I asked AI to use the style of Caravaggio so that it would give the image less of a Golden Books feel. I love the result. There's something surreal about the realism. It's worldly--yet otherworldly--or, rather, new-worldly.