Portraiture is a great way to capture a specific moment in time. Royalty have used portraits for centuries to ensure that future generations could see what past rulers looked like. Luckily, an up and coming artist named Yuga has captured some amazing portraits of different denizens around Hyrule. Let’s check them out!
Yuga’s first portrait is of Zelda’s caretaker and closest confidante, Impa. He did a fantastic job of showing her stoic nature. Her eyebrow is arched in an inquisitive nature. Her hands are clasped behind her back which is straight up and proud. She is dressed in her usual long robe and headwear. Although new to the scene, and to Hyrule, Yuga really nailed her look.
Seres, the priestess at the chapel, is next up. I really like the turquoise hues for the background and frame. Yuga did a wonderful job matching her hair! Too bad he didn’t add in the captain of the guard to the picture, as he is usually hanging around Seres at the chapel. Maybe there’s something going on there? Anyway, Yuga captured an interesting expression on her face. Usually she is calm and collected, but she looks wide-eyed, almost scared. A different side, to be sure, but maybe that’s how Yuga saw her. Either way, great work!
Here is Rosse, the strongman of Hyrule. He’s best known for picking up big rocks around his house and tossing them. It’s lots of fun to watch and it looks like Yuga was inspired by his performance. He got his trademark hair and beard just perfect. His hands are resting on his stomach, almost as if he was taking a rest after a spirited round of rock throwing.
It’s nice to see Yuga representing some of the other, non-human races here in Hyrule and there is no better subject than Queen Oren of the Zoras. She is the epitome of beauty and grace. It’s a portrait befitting a royal, that’s for sure. I have noticed that all of the frames have an upside-down Triforce on each corner. Maybe it’s just a regular symbol in Yuga’s homeland, but it’s a little odd to frame all of them that way. Especially here in Hyrule where our Triforce is done in the opposite direction. Not a big deal, but interesting.
Next up is our local Blacksmith’s son, Gulley. This young boy loves to be in nature, so the green background and frame really suit him well! His arms are up in the air, almost like he’s having fun. Or… Maybe he was scared? Interesting choice, but whatever! One small complaint is that he is the same size as all the other paintings in his gallery. Gulley is a little boy, why would he be the same size? Maybe Yuga can work on his scaling in his next set.
When she isn’t flying around, carrying some weird kid with a green hat, Irene works with her Grandma at the potion shop. She’s got a long robe and a witch’s hat. Unfortunately, Yuga didn’t include her flying broomstick. You never see Irene without her broom! Although, I did see it flying around outside the other day without a rider. That’s a little weird. I’m sure it has nothing to do with this piece of art, though!
Osfala, the assistant to Kakariko’s elder Sahasrahla, is next on the list. Maybe it is just the cartoonish way Yuga does his art, but Osfala usually looks a lot more proud than this. In this piece, he looks worried. It seems like it’s a running theme through these pieces. What is that he’s holding? Is that… A rod? With bunny ears? I’ve never seen him with that rod before. Another odd detail to add, especially when Yuga didn’t even paint in Irene’s broom!
No gallery of Hyrulians would be complete without our princess, Zelda. This is easily the most detailed work of the set. Her ears are poking out of her hair. Her bracelet and headband are visible. It was a very good idea to have her hands together, as if in prayer. She’s praying for the safety of Hyrule and all its denizens. Hopefully, Yuga lets us keep this portrait to hang in the gallery in the main room of the castle. It would fit right in with the other paintings, depicting the sealing of Ganon. Those paintings are a good reminder of the sacrifices the people of Hyrule made to seal away Ganon forever and ever, never to return again.
So, Yuga, what are you planning to do next? Will you continue with painting different people around Hyrule? Maybe a new series that focuses on the creatures around here.
Oh… Wait… Oh… This isn’t good… Maybe we shouldn’t feature his art…
A Link Between Worlds turns 10 years old this November, so be sure to check out our entire collection of articles dedicated to the anniversary of the 3DS classic!
