Greg and Tim Hildebrandt (American, 20th Century). Treebeard, Lord of the Rings calendar, August 1976

Description

Greg and Tim Hildebrandt (American, 20th Century)
Treebeard, Lord of the Rings calendar, August 1976
Acrylic on board
21 x 26-1/2 inches (53.3 x 67.3 cm)
Signed lower right: HILDEBRANDT

"I've lived a very long, long time; so my name is like a story."

As he describes it, when Ballantine art director Ian Summers first saw Greg and Tim Hildebrandt's drawings based on The Lord of the Rings, his jaw dropped, and within a week commissioned the first Brothers Hildebrandt Tolkien calendar. This calendar, published for the year 1976, would become a worldwide best-seller and become the template for how generations imagined Middle Earth. The Brothers Hildebrandt masterfully capture Treebeard, or Fangorn in Sindarin, the Ent who is "the oldest living thing that still walks beneath the Sun upon this Middle-Earth." The childlike positioning of Pippen and Merry perfectly juxtaposes the innocent energy associated with Hobbits against the ponderous solemnity of the Ents.

Treebeard, which appeared as the illustration for the month of August in this debut calendar, possesses all of the magic which made the Brothers Hildebrandt calendars such classics, and presents a rare opportunity for collectors to have one of the legendary images from this chapter of fantasy art history.


Estimate: $40,000 - up.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.