I should have posted a few general thoughts about this image...
My own views on the nature of the Drow are influenced by the classic 1st edition modules that introduced them (G3, D1-D3, Q1).
I believe that Drow are more at home in the 'pulp fantasy' environment of 1st edition Greyhawk than the 'high fantasy' environment of 2nd edition Forgotten Realms.
I suspect that Gygax drew his inspiration for the Drow from a number of different sources. The reading list at the back of the 1st edition DMG gives some clues as to what these sources were. I suspect that one important source was the depiction of elves in Poul Anderson's early fantasy novels such as 'The Broken Sword' and 'Three Hearts and Three Lions'. It is likely that another important influence was the depiction of the Michael Moorcock's Melniboneans in the Elric stories. But I believe that the most important influence was A. Merritt's classic fantasy novel 'Dwellers in the Mirage'. Gygax has publicly acknowledged the influence that Merritt's work had on him on a number of occasions.
I've always imagined the Drow as extremely stylish, with just a hint of utter depravity beneath the surface. Although Drow society is extremely decadent, it retains an aura of sophisticated elegance that few human cultures can match. The casual cruelty of the dark elves should always be balanced by their refined artistic sensibilities.
I have tried to communicate these qualities in this image, making the drow princess look graceful but dangerous at the same time. I hope that the .. um.. sensuality of her figure is balanced by the hint of malice in her gaze.
As a homage to the pulp origins of the drow, the pose of the figure hearkens back to the classic fantasy paintings of Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell....
