Overview of the Leviathan Artwork
This artwork presents a highly detailed breakdown of the Leviathan, a Gloriana-Class Battleship from the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Rendered in rich red tones with gothic architecture and mechanical complexity, the ship looks both ancient and formidable. The central image shows the ship in full, with various labeled components like the bridge, barracks, void engines, and multiple types of weapon turrets. There are also several call-out illustrations on the side, showcasing systems such as the cutter docking bay, drop pod launch bays, and plasma cannon emplacements. The ship exudes a sense of dread and power, with gothic cathedrals and heavy armor plating covering its hull. The labeling and design work blend a technical cutaway with dark sci-fi aesthetics, making it feel like a page out of an Imperial Navy manual.
The Gloriana-Class Battleship Lore
Gloriana-Class Battleships were originally created during the Great Crusade, crafted by the Mechanicum of Mars under the command of the Emperor Himself. These ships were each designed to be the flagship of a Primarch and serve as mobile command fortresses for entire Expeditionary Fleets. Massive in size and devastating in firepower, they were symbols of the Imperium’s peak technological and military might. Every Gloriana was unique, heavily customized to suit the needs and tastes of its Primarch captain. Ships like the Macragge’s Honour, Hrafnkel, and Vengeful Spirit became legendary through their campaigns. These warships became both temples and thrones, vessels where war met worship.
The Leviathan’s Unique Traits
According to the lore in this artwork, the Leviathan was built to be a mobile base, perfect for transporting troops and supporting long campaigns. It was constructed from the remains of a space hulk, reforged in the fires of the warp-touched Maelstrom. After a devastating rift event, the ship and its crew were changed—warped both in body and spirit. This trauma is now reflected in the ship’s twisted purpose: it roams the void, no longer tied to loyalty or duty. The inclusion of a “Ritual Dome” and “Shrine” in the design suggests its crew practices arcane or possibly heretical rites. The ship seems to have drifted from Imperial doctrine into something darker.
A Closer Look at the Components
The ship is bristling with firepower, such as the plasma cannon emplacements, heavy quad lascannons, and macro turrets. It houses multiple boarding and support facilities like the drop pod bays, medicae penh bays, and void shields. The segmented design shows different engineering bays and engines, hinting at complex systems powering its warp travel and sublight maneuvers. The heavy use of gothic architecture, with towering spires and ornate engravings, gives it the feel of a cathedral in space. Even the bridge is tucked beneath towering domes, implying a hierarchy and command structure that blends both military and ecclesiastical order. The modular labeling makes the ship feel like a living organism, one filled with both ritual and function.
The Legacy of Gloriana-Class Battleships
Though many Gloriana-Class ships were lost or destroyed during the Horus Heresy, their legacy remains immense. Their influence can be seen in modern Imperial battleships, though none match their size or sacred craftsmanship. These vessels are revered as relics, often entombed in memory rather than actively deployed. A ship like the Leviathan, if it truly survived into the current era, would be an anomaly—feared and possibly hunted by the Imperium. Their mythic status makes them a favorite among collectors, scholars, and Chaos warlords alike. Ultimately, they embody a time when humanity dared to challenge the stars with unmatched pride and power.
