I got my hands on a copy of Gray’s Elegy, published in 1903 and written in 1750. It’s a long, mournful poem that Thomas Gray wrote while walking through a churchyard, remembering the death of his friend and asking universal questions about the meaning of life.

I couldn’t resist the weather, embossed cover and made it a canvas for a contemplative nude.

The book is extremely delicate and has already been preserved in a beautiful antique gold frame. The book measures 4.5 in. x 5.5 in. and the frame measures 9.75 in. x 10.75 in. This piece of rare original art ships ready to hang.