claude--frollo

[claude--frollo]

- Oh, he's asking me for money again.

[claude--frollo]

Sometimes it seems to me that the stained glass windows here look at me with reproach.

And sometimes - with compassion.

[claude--frollo]

Clopin is here, as always, in his repertoire.

Bonk –

It's been too long since I've drawn this madman, I was craving that chaotic energy...

And of course I had him distressing Frollo. Yeah, Clopin is not getting out alive from this.

[claude--frollo]

Ⲁⲛáⲅⲕⲏ.

My soul is a cathedral of shadows, each stone carved with the weight of divine judgment. I stand at the precipice of righteousness, yet the flames of desire claw at my heart, mocking my vows. Esmeralda, that witch, dances in the streets, her laughter a siren’s call that drags my piety into the abyss. I am God’s servant, yet the devil whispers her name in my dreams, weaving sin into my prayers. The fire awaits—her, me, this cursed city. There is no salvation for a man who burns for what he must condemn.

[claude--frollo]

In the shadow of Notre Dame Cathedral, Clopin Trouillefou, the king of the vagabonds, crept up to the gloomy Claude Frollo, who stood by the column, with a sly grin. “Oh, venerable judge, how gloomy your face!” sang Clopin, bowing theatrically. “Would you like me, a humble gypsy, to amuse you with a song or… in some other way?” He winked, adjusting the colorful scarf around his neck. Frollo turned, clenching his fists, his eyes blazing with anger. “You miserable buffoon! How dare you, a dirty vagabond, address me with such impudence?” he growled, clutching the cross on his chest, as if it could protect him from Clopin’s impudence. “Oh, do not be angry, my stern master!” Clopin feigned a sigh, stepping closer. - Your severity only inflames my heart! Will you not give a poor poet a chance to win your... favor? - Away, vile actor! - Frollo, turning purple with rage, stepped back, tripping over a stone. - I will order the guards to burn you in the square if you do not disappear! Clopin burst out laughing, deftly jumping away. - Until next time, my fiery judge! - he shouted, dissolving into the crowd, leaving Frollo seething with anger and embarrassment.

[claude--frollo]

— I'd sell my soul to the devil for a night with you.

[claude--frollo]

— Order always falls in love with chaos.

And then - hates itself for it.

[claude--frollo]

Hellfire.

[claude--frollo]

— Ah, Clopin, as handsome as the devil himself.

[claude--frollo]

— I can't resist this fire that burns me from within!

[claude--frollo]

Saw him again tonight.

His laughter echoed in my skull like a bell — loud, insolent, wicked.

And I, the archdeacon, I who brand vice with word and flame, stood in the shadows and watched.

He dances as if he does not know the weight of flesh. As if the street were not dirt, but a stage — and each step a blow to my ribs.

— "Father, are you peeking again?" he whispers, turning around.

Yes.

Yes, I am peeking, Clopin.

Because you are temptation made flesh —

no temple, but crowned in screams and dust.

I curse your freedom the way a drowning man curses the air.

And do you know the worst part?

I no longer dream of Esmeralda.

The dreams are shorter now. Louder.

Colored like your clothes.

Lord, grant me the strength to cast it out.

Or… grant him to me.

[claude--frollo]

Charles Daubigny (1817–1878) - Gibet de Montfaucon

illustration from Victor Hugo's novel ‘Notre-Dame de Paris’, édition Perrotin, 1844

engraved by Adèle Laisné

source

[claude--frollo]

She passed by. And I stood there, my hands clasped in the folds of my cassock, feeling my faith creak under the weight of desire. Lord, give me strength. Or take away my sight. I didn’t ask to be holy. I asked to be pure. But every time her silhouette disappears around a corner, I find myself memorizing the curves.

[claude--frollo]

My favorite Disney villain.

[claude--frollo]

The flames of Paris may roar, the bells may toll, but even the darkest soul finds a moment of peace in the warmth of a creature that asks no questions.

He purrs, I pray.

[claude--frollo]

To answer my own question: yes I do sort of still have muscle memory from 20 years ago to draw Frollo! And his hat is still 100 percent the most annoying thing ever designed!!!!