Creator of Tarzan in 1912, Edgar Rice Burroughs led his readers into impossible worlds where primitive humanoids fight antediluvian monsters. His great merit in the history of science fiction novels is to write for the excitement and emotion of the reader, with no intention of social interpretation. Six decades later, Frazetta is the best illustrator of the intense action of Burroughs's creatures.
Barely dressed in a loincloth aside with some jewelry for the women, Frazetta's characters are extremely muscular, confident in their strength to face the unclean beasts that mark their daily lives.
On August 5 in Dallas, Heritage sells at lot 92069 an oil on canvas 55 x 75 cm made in 1974 by Frazetta for the cover page of a reissue of At the Earth's Core by Burroughs.
Dian the Beautiful is in full light in the center of the action. In the foreground, a giant Mahar marine reptile is all claws apart for the attack. The atmosphere is enhanced by the barely visible presence of other simian or reptilian enemies in the background. The press release of July 15 announces a target price beyond $ 900K for this masterpiece of science fiction illustration.
Heritage regularly offers important works by Frazetta and the value for this artist is rising. On May 13, 2016, The Norseman, oil on canvas 45 x 60 cm painted in 1972, was sold for $ 450K including premium. A Vampirella brandishing a dagger in a brawl with wild creatures, painted in 1970, was sold for $ 287K including premium on August 2, 2013.
SOLD for $ 1.08M including premium
Highest price ever realized in American Comics & Comic Art auction: $1,075,500: https://t.co/wTxSdnkkr9 pic.twitter.com/2e8AWdV0LC
— Heritage Auctions (@HeritageAuction) August 5, 2016