I like the feel of the image – there are a few areas where the perspective seems slightly distorted… the point at which the ruff curves round, the left shoulder, and the circular decals… but these seem stylistic and appropriate within the context of the image (to what extent they are intentional is another matter ).

At the same time that the composition harks back to a former style though, it also feels very contemporary – the features of his face look like a living metal sculpture. I like the chiselled features and the heavy black shadowing; to me they define much of the power of the image. I usually find red eyes to look somewhat contrived, but they feel quite natural here – as does the angular earlobe.

The only thing I’m not sure about is the frame. Because it has been painted on it makes the image look more like an illustration (as opposed to a framed painting)… though that is perhaps more of an observation than a ‘crit’ as such… part of the problem I feel is that the GfxBlue background (which seems to be bothering me a lot lately) is imposing itself on the image.. I think I’d like to see it on its own neutral background - I can see what you were looking to achieve here, but for me the image has sharper highlights if you block the Gfx background from your view-line. Also I feel the frame would work better if it were less perfect – it is too neatly duplicated, a few imperfections (cracked border etc), or even deviations in the design would help there… and maybe some shading to make the frame stand proud of the image too.

Nice variation of textures – I particularly like the bronzed section in his breast plate. The touch of gold on the central medallion is perfectly balanced to lift a little colour into the image. I’m not sure how or why that works but without it the image loses a lot of its intensity.

Overall I think this is an exceptional piece – and refreshing to see someone consciously developing an original stylistic concept.