“The Beautiful Desecration of the Needled Corpse” was inspired by tales of smuggling and mutilation from the 15-1600’s. English folklore was ripe with accounts of bodies being violated, replacing the deceased with lace and finery, smuggling such valuables in the country. This painting was inspired by the discovered body of a Bishop, who returned to England as just a head, hands, and feet, his body replaced with bolts of lace. Opting to keep the general theme of grave desecration, effort was made to turn the image beautiful and serene instead of grotesque. The body is violated, but still regal, wrapped in the very same fabric that her peace was sacrificed for.