1914-1918 THROUGH THE EYES OF FORTUNINO MATANIA

In August 1914 much of Europe was pitched into a war which would eclipse all others in terms of its industrialized ferocity. With photography and film recording still in their infancy, much of the news was relayed through wartime illustrators. Preeminent among them was Fortunino Matania, The Sphere's artist-on-the-spot for events ranging from coronations to disasters. Sent to a variety of fronts to cover the conflict, his illustrations created a gripping testimony. Over 150 paintings and drawings of the World War I conflict depict all its horrors and special moments.

For the first time ever, this book collects those images in large format so that they can be viewed as they were intended.

Matania is an unsung master for his incredible talent, his superb costumes and historical accuracy, his detail. But also for his ability to depict all eras of history and battles and fascinating events, with accurate details from weapons to vehicles to clothing right to the era. Although this collection scarcely touches on this portrayals of women -- both clothed and nude -- he was a master at this also. Much of his work was actually done in pencil, with white highlights, with a level of detail that you will not believe until you examine it.

His work inspired many contemporary artists: Annigoni and Russell Flint both visited his studio, and many comic strip artists have admired and even collected his work including Al Williamson, Roy Krenkel, Frank Frazetta, John Bolton, Bernie Wrightson as well as film directors such as Cecil B. DeMille and Alfred Hitchcock!!

I recently introduced painter Dan Brereton to THE art book on Matania, Drawing From History (which is in stock and gets our highest recommendation). Dan's already purchased his first piece of Matania original artwork! - Bud

The British Royal family purchased his originals and John Singer Sargent admired and purchased one of his paintings at the Royal Academy. He was made a Chevalier of the Crown of Italy and exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and Royal Institute of Art.

Book Palace presents a unique collection of some of his most poignant and awe-inspiring depictions of characters and events from the Great War.