Dec 14, 2023 - Sale 2656

Sale 2656 - Lot 120

Unsold
Estimate: $ 3,000 - $ 4,000
BRALDT BRALDS (1951-)
"Friedrich Schiller: The Breath of Freedom." Cover illustration published in Der Spiegel, October 3, 2004. Oil on wood panel. 394x318 mm; 15 1/2x12 1/2 inches. Framed size 27 1/2x23 1/2 inches.

Friedrich Schiller, born in 1759, was a philosopher, a poet, and came to be considered Germany's most important classical dramatist. Along with his friend Goethe he became a major figure in German Literature's "Sturm und Drang" period. They both came along at a time when revolutionary ideals were forming.

Schiller believed it was possible to elevate people's moral character by first touching their souls with beauty. This red-haired poet's "Ode To Joy" fired Ludwig Beethoven's soul enough to compose his 9th Symphony around it.

When Der Spiegel decided to feature a story on Schiller in 2004, Stefan not only wanted Braldt to portray Schiller for the magazine cover, he also sent the magazine's film maker to Santa Fe to film Braldt painting the portrait, for a feature piece on Der Spiegel's TV program. A short deadline is one thing for a detail-oriented painter; to be under observation while completing it in three days was daunting. A little Beethoven was played during the task at hand.

Bralds, a mostly self-taught artist from the Netherlands, has been a prolific and sought-after illustrator for several decades. He was launched into fame beginning in 1978 when he received his first commission with a cover for TIME magazine soon followed by his indelible image of the proud Morgaine on horseback gracing the cover of The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's 1983 women-focused historical fiction bestseller about Arthurian legends. Bralds' impressive client list includes such notable publications as Newsweek, Omni Magazine, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, Playboy, Penthouse, National Geographic, and more. His work has been featured in ad campaigns for Alfa Romeo, Atlantic Records, Grand Marnier, Gucci, IBM International, Kahlua, Levi-Strauss, Pirelli Brazil, among others.He has designed three stamp issues for the United Nations Postal Service and the United States Postal Service. In the late 1990s, Bralds transitioned to a fine art career, displaying his work in exhibits and galleries throughout the world. A long list of awards includes a Hall of Fame recognition from the Dutch Society of Illustrators, an Andy Award, and a Clio Award. From The Society of Illustrators, he has won several medals, the coveted Hamilton King Award in 1984 and, just this spring of 2021, was inducted into their The Society of Illustrators' Hall of Fame.