For years, sci-fi and fantasy have been a favorite subject of art for famous artists of every era. You can give credit to its imaginative brilliance or the desire of humans to step away from the grueling monotony of their lives. To help you unveil the beauty of sci-fi paintings, we’ve compiled some of the best of all times:
1. The Tree of Life
Tree of Life was a symbolic masterpiece painted by Gustav Klimt in 1909. You can witness a merging of mythological symbols with earthly imagination. The painting follows a decorative approach and ornamental style with vivid gestures of the human form.
The artwork is aesthetically pleasing and plays with several themes that will first awe-inspire you and then fill you with knowing contentment that comes from understanding art. Tree of Life is a remarkable part of the Stoclet Frieze, a series of mosaic art created by the Austrian artist.
2. Narcissus
Italian master artist Caravaggio created Narcissus in the mid-16th century. The painting represents the mythical character of a young boy who was deeply in love with his reflection.
The fantasy painting is a poignant depiction of self-love and obsession, which can be seen in the face of Narcissus awash with bright emotions of admiration and love. Caravaggio has used his favorite dark palettes to create a neutral surrounding and give a profound effect to the water, which seems to engulf the viewers at a glance.
3. The American Progress
A late 19th-century artwork by the Prussian-born painter John Ghast, American Progress, takes a jab at the westward expansion of America and its horrors. The beautiful woman in the center is called “Progress” which is moving towards the darkness of the west, leaving behind the bright eastern skies.
As you look closely, you can see a telegraph wire and a book in her hand. You can find several symbols of the supposed progress of America, such as trains and stagecoaches. The picture tells the tale of the evils of westernization and the loss of good times in the form of “clear skies.”
4. Allegory of sight and smell
The 17th-century masterpiece by Jan Brueghel the Elder is part of the pair of oil paintings called The Five Senses. The fantasy painting depicts the sense of sight using different elements in one frame.
You can see a number of scientific elements like a telescope, globe, military instruments, and mathematical instruments. The painting also has the elements of mythology incorporated in it.
5. The Hell 2
The Hell 2 is a reproduction of hell as imagined by Hieronymous Bosch with a distinct touch different from his usual flemish style. The oil painting uses intense shades of provocative colors like red and fiery yellow with hues of black and grey. It is a medley of fantasy art and mythology painting.
The brilliant use of the color palette makes the imagery all the more alive and gory, as it tells the tales of horror in the after-world. You can easily perceive the suffering of sinful men in the imaginary landscape of hell.
6. Skull with Burning Cigarettes
From the brush of the famous artist Van Vincent Gogh, Skull with burning cigarettes depicts the humorous tragedy of a lavish lifestyle. It takes a dig at the declining health gifted by objects of human pleasure.
The artist himself consumed a lot of alcohol and cigars in his lifetime, and critics also see the masterpiece as a reflection of his own health. This morbid and comic oil painting is a symbol of his intuitive visions of future and unwavering stand with starkly-expressive strokes.
7. St. George and the Dragon
An excellent example of the renaissance art of the early 16th century, St. George and the Dragon was a cabinet painting created by Raphael. The picture is an epitome of royal heroism and bravery.
That’s not all! It has evident sci-fi and fantasy painting elements like dragons and knighthood. The masterpiece was later sold to Henry VII before it ended up as the cynosure of the collection of King Charles I.
Futuristic Paintings
As you learn more about the sci-fi and fantasy art styles, you’ll feel a pull towards the genre that you won’t be able to resist. There is a lot more to sci-fi than just imagination and fantasy painting.
Some of the sci-fi paintings of ancient times turned out to be the reality of the future, thus making sci-fi even more exciting and thought-provoking. To continue your journey in the sci-fi world, run your eyes through a myriad of other sci-fi paintings.
No comments:
Post a Comment