Renaissance etching of three winged, horned putti with bows and flaming arrows on a gnarled tree branch.

Tattoo Concept: "The Withering Bough" Placement: Underneath both lower ribs (wrapping across left & right sides). Style: Old English / Renaissance etching linework (think Dürer, Gustave Doré, Hans Holbein woodcuts). Core Imagery Central Mangled Branch: A large, gnarled, twisted branch stretching across the ribcage, extending from left to right. The branch has splintered ends, almost claw-like, suggesting decay and violence. Wilting Leaves: Sparse leaves droop downward, veins pronounced, some curling in on themselves. They could scatter slightly, almost like they’re falling away from the branch. Figures (Renaissance Demon-Babies / Putti): Form: Modeled after Renaissance putti (plump baby-like angels), but twisted—gaunt faces, hollow eyes, faint horns, ragged feathered wings. Action: Each is armed with a bow of fire, arrows tipped with little flames or barbed points. Placement: Left Side: Two demon-cherubs crouching on the branch, one pulling a fiery bowstring, the other preparing an arrow. Right Side: Another pair in motion—one flying slightly upward with wings unfurled, the other dangling upside down from the branch, aiming his arrow downward. The linework should feel woodcut-like, with deep shading, hatched lines, and heavy contouring. Optional Accents Tiny curled flames flickering at the tips of some arrows and scattered along the branch. Subtle ornamental scrollwork / filigree at the ends of the branch to frame the ribs and echo Renaissance motifs. A symmetry of See more