2. (Frazetta) Tarzan at the Earth’s Core. (1962) Accomplished in oil paint and gouache on 12 x 18 in. artists’ illustration board. The famous “dried-in-oven” painting that cracked and was repaired and enhanced by Frazetta himself. The repair can be seen from a short distance, but it is not objectionable. Extremely dynamic and colorful. This piece has had a very colorful history with Frank putting a lot of effort into it. It is of particular note, because it was created before Frank “figured out” his ultimate approach to paintings. Featuring a large, full-bodied image of Tarzan, wild action, and a life-and-death animal struggle in this very early ACE paperback cover. Both protagonists exhibit sensational intensity in their faces. In these early ACE covers, Frazetta was experimenting, finding his way with color and line and form. There is tremendous charm in these early efforts because of that honest searching. Frazetta was developing a style and an approach that would be uniquely his. This piece displays razor-like clarity along with delicate impressionistic passages. In short, a great example of Frazetta’s technique and vision that would revolutionize the realms of imaginative art in coming decades. Frank kept this version and painted another copy for publication. He wanted to keep this version because it had a little more intensity and polish. In this original version Tarzan exhibits much more animation and the colors are much richer in tone and intensity. This original effort benefits from the first flow of imagination. Later recreations can be characterized by over thinking staunching the “flow” of creativity to be replaced by industry and technique. At 12 x 18 in., the piece is the largest of all the ACE covers. Exhibiting a perforation through the middle of the painting caused when Frank tried to dry the painting too quickly in the oven. Repaired and over-painted by Frazetta. Noticeable, but not detracting from the power or the quality of this original. I have owned it for many years and derived nothing but sheer pleasure from constant viewings. Predominantly oil paint, with some touches of watercolor gouache. Beautifully blended color with overall design seamless and breathtaking. Subtle background colors. The signature is the classic weighted Frazetta flourish, added in the early 1980s. The visual effect of the piece is startlingly 3-dimensional. This is the type of painting that Frazetta will always be known for - action, intensity, uniquely harmonized tints, and a quintessential image of Tarzan.
$20,000 - $30,000

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

After payment has been made in full, Profiles in History may, as a service to buyers, arrange to have property packed, insured and shipped at your request and expense. For shipping information, please contact Profiles in History at (310) 859- 7701. In circumstances in which Profiles in History arranges and bills for such services via invoice or credit card, we will also include an administration charge. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping charges from Profiles in History's offices in Calabasas, CA to the buyer's door. Many of the items in this auction are of unusual size and/or weight, they will require special handling and will incur an additional shipping premium as charged by the carrier. Please see Terms & Conditions of Sale.

by Profiles in History
December 11, 2015 11:00 AM PST
26662 Agoura Rd
Calabasas, CA, US 91302

Profiles in History

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 28% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $249,999 $10,000
$250,000 + $25,000