It is good to see Lapa being featured in this work - her slender form is quite distinctive, even in a rear view, and she does not seem to appear in many manips apart from those by Daimonaissai. I do not recognise her friend, but both girls have been posed to provide convincing character interaction with the large, bearded man in a red coat, who is part of the original painting.
The manip's title, 'Precious Payment' suggests that slavery is the theme, although I am not familiar with the original background, which appears to be an ecclesiastical subject. The painted figures are illuminated by the light of multiple candles, grouped into three distinct candelabra sources. The new figures are also illuminated by the yellow glow of these flames, and this is plausibly the biggest challenge presented in the creation of this manipulation.
The treatment of Lapa's face is particularly successful, seen in profile and presenting a defiant thrust of her jaw. A small glint of moisture reflects the light in her eye. She presents a fearless confrontation with the men on the left of the picture. The atmosphere is at once tense and mysterious. Nice work, GoatJr!
Nicely done.
