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
organised 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 civilisations, 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 the19th century, and the illustrators of Robert E. Howard.


Enchanted
features more than 180 colour 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.