Thursday, May 4, 2017

FRANK FRAZETTA IN TV GUIDE?


Frank Frazetta needs no introduction. If you don't know who I'm talking about, you owe it to yourself to learn all you can about this man's phenomenal career in commercial and fine art.

In 1978, Frazetta was approached to do a STAR WARS painting and refused because he would have not been able to retain his original or the copyright to the image. Plus, the art directors of the project wanted to "guide" the project a little more than Frazetta was willing to abide. By this time in Frazetta's career he could call his own shots and being told how to produce a painting was not on his list of amenables.

As it turns out, Frazetta ended up doing this advertising art for the series, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, in an issue of TV GUIDE. Ironically (or maybe intentionally), the image, titled "In Pharaoh's Tomb", was very similar to the one that he was commissioned to do for the STAR WARS job. 


Frank Frazetta "In Pharaoh's Tomb" Battlestar Galactica Painting Original Art (1978). Double your fear, with two, count 'em, two, Death Dealer-like figures by Frank Frazetta! This fantastic oil painting was published in a 1978 TV Guide and appeared as an advertisement for the TV show Battlestar Galactica. When Frazetta fans were mystified as to why Frazetta would turn down a rumored assignment of a cover for a "Star Wars" novelization, only to paint a similarly-themed scene for a TV show, Frazetta set the record straight for them in Testament: The Life and Art of Frank Frazetta: "The simple answer is that I got to paint what I wanted and I retained my originals and my copyrights. I wouldn't have been able to keep either if I had taken the 'Star Wars' job and I would not have had much creative freedom. That would have been a step backward for me." Painted in oils, this moody piece measures approximately 17.5" x 23.5", and is matted and is glass front ornately framed to 28" x 34" (and 3" deep). In Excellent condition. Signed and dated 1978 at lower left.


2 comments:

Dr. Theda said...

That was for the (early) two-part episode... we remember the image (from back then).. May the Force be with you, good Sir...!!!

John said...

Thanks for the additional information, Good Doctor!