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Frank Frazetta - Original Oil Painting "Carson of Venus" (Ace Books, 1973). This fantastic oil by Frank Frazetta, published ...
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Description
Frank Frazetta - Original Oil Painting "Carson of Venus" (Ace Books, 1973). This fantastic oil by Frank Frazetta, published in 1973 by Ace Books, should not be confused with the earlier Ace Book version from 1963. The later painting is a larger, more mature work. For many years, this oil graced the wall of Frazetta's dining room. Frazetta comments on this oil: "The first version was too busy and a little stiff. I had a lot of detail in there that was unnecessary. When I got the chance to paint it again, I corrected the whole design. I took a lot out. The second version is far superior artistically." What makes this oil outstanding is the wonderful rhythm of the waves and the seamless integration of the demonic fish rising out of the sea with the lurching boat. The heaving seas have a tremendous weight and presence in this composition. We can feel the awesome danger in its rough waves. The monster fish and Carson's sailing vessel define an oval space in the center of the composition that forces the eye to rhythmically rise and swirl. The demon fish is unearthly, strange, and imperious. It is a black creature framed by a black sky and rising from a black sea; it is death itself. Carson's vessel is plunging down into the scene, drawn to the majestic and terrifying creature. A hero's destiny awaits! These elements supercharge the design with a life and vitality that is so distinctively a trademark of Frazetta. Frazetta succeeds in capturing the eye with this powerful scene of dark drama - a single moment of life-and-death confrontation and rich suggestiveness. Narrative possibilities spring to mind. The viewer is immediately tantalized by a rich mix of storytelling ideas and imaginative concepts. Frazetta's best creations are always multi-layered and work on us in many ways. The mind reinforces our ongoing delight by lingering on the wonderful use of color. The entire composition is dominated by its atmosphere and mood. A black night provides Frazetta with an eerie light to showcase the water and waves. There is a powerful simplicity at work here that enriches all of the elements. Frazetta uses a limited palette dominated by blacks, blues and greens that are wonderfully blended and harmonized. Every touch of the brush adds energy and vibrancy to the design. There is no false note in the execution of this oil; nothing is forced or labored. The ultimate result is a work of genuine beauty and power that would be the keystone of any serious collection. Rendered in oils, the piece measures approximately 15" x 24", and is in excellent condition. Signed and dated 1972 at lower right.Auction Info
2002 July Comic Auction #803 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
July, 2002
4th-6th
Thursday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 16
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 8,287
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