Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration

Author: Kowalski, Jesse
Publication date: 30/07/2020
Imprint: Abbeville US
Pages: 256
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780789213709

The first-ever history of fantasy art and illustration. For hundreds of years artists have been inspired by the imaginative potential of fantasy. Unlike science fiction, which is based on fact, fantasy presents an impossible reality-a universe where dragons breathe fire, angels battle demons, and magicians weave spells. Published to coincide with a major exhibition, this handsome volume reveals how artists have brought to life mythology, fables, and fairy tales, as well as modern epics like the Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Final Fantasy. Written by leading historians of the field, Enchanted traces the development of fantasy art from Old Masters like Bosch, Durer, and Henry Fuseli, through Golden Age illustrators like Arthur Rackham and Howard Pyle, to classic cover artists like Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo, and emerging talents like Anna Dittmann and Heather Edwards. More than 150 key works-including paintings, prints, drawings, and digital art-are illustrated in vibrant colour, many at full-page size. Enchanted is a must-have reference for artists and illustrators, and a delight for all lovers of fantasy. AUTHORS: Jesse Kowalski is Curator of Exhibitions at the Norman Rockwell Museum, and curator of the exhibition Enchanted. Stephanie Plunkett is Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the Norman Rockwell Museum. 150 illustrations