An abundantly illustrated history of fantasy art, from the Old Masters to the present, Enchanted – A History Of Fantasy Illustration is a stunning hardcover volume that collects the art work that went on display at the exhibition of the same name held at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge Massachusetts, USA in the summer of 2021.
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 organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum, 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 and Game of Thrones.
The main text of Enchanted, by exhibition curator Jesse Kowalski, traces the emergence of the themes of fantasy in the world’s civilizations, and the development of fantasy illustration from the Old Masters to the Victorian fairy painters, to Golden Age illustrators like Howard Pyle and Arthur Rackham, to classic cover artists like Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo, to emerging talents like Anna Dittmann and Victo Ngai. Additional essays by distinguished contributors address particular aspects of fantasy illustration, such as the relationship between science and fantasy in the nineteenth century, and the illustrators of Robert E. Howard.
Enchanted features more than 180 color illustrations, including numerous stunning full-page reproductions. This handsome volume is a must-have reference for artists and illustrators, and a delight for all lovers of fantasy.
This book is a rich depository of fantasy art and includes many of the illustrations and paintings by some of my favorite artists from a wide timeline, presenting them in a scholarly context with reference to other art work that makes for a really interesting read. I’m also delighted by the inclusion of many art work from artists that are completely new to me, which allows me to track down more of their work on my own. Highly recommended.
Enchanted – A History Of Fantasy Illustration art book details :
– Dimensions – 9.4 x 0.9 x 11.4 inches
– Hardcover, 256 pages
– Full color, in English
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December 22nd, 2021 at 1:02 am
I’ve been looking for something like this for a while. A good source of various fantasy artists across history, with some historical narrative to tie it together. I’ll check it out.
December 22nd, 2021 at 5:39 am
Looks great. That N. C. Wyeth piece is particularly eye catching.
If you don’t mind me asking, what’s with the Norman Rockwell at the end? A gorgeous painting for sure but why is it in a book about fantasy illustration?
December 22nd, 2021 at 8:35 am
Oh very cool! I have a friend who was lucky enough to be in the area in time to see the exhibition in person.
December 23rd, 2021 at 5:53 pm
Chris – This is a great resource for historical and contemporary fantasy art in my opinion. Definitely check it out !
Novak – I’m such a big fan of N.C. Wyeth !! I don’t have the book with me currently so I can’t investigate, but as the exhibition was held at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge Massachusetts, it might just be an epilogue of sorts to mention the work of the museum.
Coffee – I am so envious ! Those art works must have been incredible to see in person.