#the image is the exact one accompanying the excerpt in world of thedas vol.II

[labhra-setablaze]

Excerpt From World of Thedas Vol. II

Thedosian Artists: Ambrose Dumont

From A Still Life of Modest Artistic Discernments: Thedosian Artists Through the Ages by Plume

A newly discovered talent, Ambrose Dumont has quickly become a darling of the Orlesian court. Older and of more humble origins than the usual newcomer thus favored by the peerage, he has nonetheless settled into his newfound popularity quite well. Dumont’s patronage now includes many nobles and richer merchants. Indeed, it is rumored that the empress herself has commissioned a unique set of precious woodcuts and prints. Dumont’s work ethic is irreproachable, the volume of his pieces since his ascent to preeminence having fulfilled even the most ambitious of commissions.

Dumont’s determination to craft every single one of his woodcuts, rather than allow an apprentice to handle his work, has drawn the glowing approval of his patrons and a very high price for original woodcuts of his own carving. Though some would argue that the work of Dumont is without equal, it is perhaps hasty to offer him such accolades with other promising artists rising to fame, most notable among them the young Griselda Reiniger. It is, however, absolutely correct to attribute to Dumont the most sought-after trifecta of Orlesian skills: impeccable composition, discerning use of rare materials, and a newly discovered yet dazzling social acumen. One could point to his modest and somewhat drab attire as a possible flaw, but rumors of his consultations with the distinguished clothier Selvages should lay this issue to rest.

Dumont’s gift of an exquisite series of woodcuts to the University of Orlais is now being used as the primary reference for any naturalist wishing to study the philosophy of livestock and other such manner of creatures. A smaller and equally detailed series on the anatomy of nugs can be found in the Great Library of the University of Orlais.

It was briefly rumored that Dumont made use of blood magic to transfer his work to the woodcut with indelible artistic fidelity. These accusations were first levied by the once-notable art critic DeCassoulet during the beginnings of Dumont’s fame. However, no proof was ever brought to light, and DeCassoulet has since fallen from grace after consorting with art forgers.

- World of Thedas Volume 2, page 25

*the above image is sourced from the Dragon Age wiki*