The Citadel (2025) Original Watercolour by Neil McVicar

Every day is a new beginning in the Citadel, because the city has no memory. All the sins of time dissolve in the crystalline waters of the river that flows through its ancient streets. Each morning, as the first rays of dawn creep past the gleaming spires, the three sisters that combined make up the soul of the City on the Hill, perform their daily ritual. One by one they immerse themselves in the sacred waterway and the information they record is surrendered to the flowing currents.

The first of the three has the names of all who enter the Citadel, those souls who have just passed over, leaving a life on earth behind them. The second has the names of all who leave this timeless place, to start a new cycle unburdened by the recollection of lives passed. And the third, the youngest sister, she holds the names of all who remain in this city that forgets. For all those who dwell here live only in the now, and future and past seem no more real than a dream.

Inspired by the real city of Edinburgh. Painted in watercolour on 100% cotton 640gsm paper. Signed by the artist.

Materials used:

watercolour, brushes, 100% cotton paper

Details:

• Watercolour on Paper
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 27.94 x 38.1 x 0.25cm (unframed) / 26.67 x 36.83cm (actual image size)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Illustrative
• Subject: Architecture and cityscapes