Frank Frazetta (American, 1928-2010). Red Planet, 1974. Oil on masonite. 24 x 15.625 in.. Signed and dated lower right. ...

Description

Frank Frazetta (American, 1928-2010)
Red Planet, 1974
Oil on masonite
24 x 15.625 in.
Signed and dated lower right


This classic, peak-period fantasy masterpiece was published as the cover for Time War by Lin Carter, Dell, 1974.

Having been frustrated with publishers not returning his work when he began his famed paperback cover run in the early 1960s, Frazetta found the perfect situation with Lancer books, whose Conan the Barbarian series became the perfect vehicle for the artist. With a larger payment and the return of his art, the ever competitive Frazetta was determined to show the world what he was capable of-the rest is history, with his iconic images of the barbarian setting the standard that has yet to be equaled.

Authors such as Lin Carter followed the popularity of Conan with fantasy work for larger publishers and Frazetta honed his craft with striking images such as this painting that jumped off the rack: a bold composition, brightly colored, with a heroic hero and beautiful female, demonstrating Frazetta's unique imagination and creativity.

A mainstay of the Frazetta Museum, this painting is being made available for the first time by the Frazetta estate. Proceeds will Benefit the Frank Frazetta Museum in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, which has again opened its doors to the public.

At some point after the publication of the book, Frazetta altered various aspects of the painting to heighten the drama and make the image less specific to the story and more appropriate for a gallery setting (a practice not atypical for the artist); these specific changes are evident when comparing the painting to the published book cover.

Note: The image of the published work in the online listing is for reference only. The published book is not included with this artwork unless the description specifically states that the lot is accompanied by such.



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