What Is the History of Fantasy Art?

Art|Art History

Fantasy art is artwork that depicts mythical or supernatural creatures, or scenes from imaginary worlds. It can range from realistic to abstract, and usually employs traditional artistic styles associated with fantasy literature and gaming. Fantasy art has been around for centuries, but it was not until the advent of digital media that it became widely popular.

The earliest examples of fantasy art are found in ancient Egyptian art and architecture. Hieroglyphs depicting gods and goddesses, as well as depictions of mythical beasts can be found adorning the walls of tombs and temples.

Fantasy elements also appear in Greek mythology, with gods taking on various forms to interact with mortals. These stories provided an inspiration for Renaissance painters such as Botticelli, who depicted mythological creatures in his work.

In the 19th century, fantasy art was further popularized by the Pre-Raphaelite movement in England. This group of painters drew inspiration from mythology and folklore, creating works that featured scenes from a magical realm. The movement also inspired Illustrators such as Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac who created images for books like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Arabian Nights.

In the 20th century, fantasy art became more widely accepted as a form of fine art thanks to the work of artists like Alan Lee and Frank Frazetta. These artists produced iconic images depicting heroes and villains from mythological stories that have become synonymous with fantasy literature and gaming culture. Their work has been used to illustrate books such as The Lord of the Rings series by JRR Tolkien, which further popularized fantasy art among fans of speculative fiction.

The rise of digital media has also played a huge role in making fantasy art more accessible to a wider audience than ever before. Digital painting programs like Photoshop have enabled artists to create stunningly realistic works depicting mythical creatures with ease.

In addition, internet platforms such as DeviantArt have made it easier for aspiring artists to showcase their own creations to a larger audience than ever before.

Conclusion: Fantasy Art has been around since ancient times but only recently become popular due to digital media advances and platforms like DeviantArt making it easier for aspiring artists to show off their work. It draws on traditional styles associated with mythological stories but can also encompass more abstract pieces depending on the artist’s preference.