Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration

Silver Sponsor:

Heritage Auctions

Local Media Sponsor:

Berkshire Magazine

June 12 through October 31, 2021

Fictional worlds of magic and adventure come to life through fantasy illustration. Myths, legends, fables, romance, and epic battles involving swords and sorcery occur in a world unfamiliar to us. Unlike science fiction, which is based on fact, fantasy presents an imaginative reality built on universal themes—heroes defeating fire-breathing dragons, angels and demons engaging in combat, and mythological tales of love and loss.

For thousands of years, mankind has depicted analogous fantastic themes in numerous cultures. Noted scholar of mythology, Joseph Campbell, claimed that mankind creates fantasy to help us understand the universe and our existence, delineate good and evil, and teach us how to thrive through adversity. Representations of dreams and nightmares, fictional creatures, and gods and monsters are made real through visual portrayals in fantasy art. Fantasy illustration interprets the imagination of the “undiscovered self.” In a 1929 interview, theoretical physicist Albert Einstein asserted, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

Donato Giancola, St. George and the Dragon, 2010, © Donato Giancola

Reserve your space now
for when the exhibit opens in June 2021.

Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration explores fantasy archetypes from the Middle Ages to today. The exhibition will present the immutable concepts of mythology, fairy tales, fables, good versus evil, and heroes and villains through paintings, etchings, drawings, and digital art created by artists from long ago to illustrators working today. Mythology explores the adventures of Apollo and Thor, Perseus rescuing Andromeda with the head of Medusa, and the labours of Hercules; fairy tales depict the worlds of elves, fairies, and mermaids, and conjure dreams of Little Nemo in Slumberland, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella; heroes and villains follow the exploits of Arthurian legends, Prince Valiant, Conan the Barbarian, and The Lord of the Rings; and haunting images of sorcerers and witches, and battles between angels and demons embody the struggle between good and evil.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Artists showcased in the exhibition include Jules Joseph Lefebvre, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Willem van Mieris, Richard Doyle, Gustave Doré, Palmer Cox, Arthur Rackham, Maxfield Parrish, Jessie Willcox Smith, Joseph Clement Coll, N.C. Wyeth, Willy Pogany, Howard Pyle, J. Allen St. John, Hannes Bok, Dean Cornwell, Virgil Finlay, Hal Foster, Frank Frazetta, Kelly Freas, Roy Krenkel, Wayne Barlowe, Julie Bell, Thomas Blackshear, Brom, Kinuko Craft, Tony DiTerlizzi, Terry & Rachel Dodson, Jeff Easley, Bob Eggleton, Larry Elmore, Scott Fischer, Brian Froud, Donato Giancola, Gary Gianni, James Gurney, Scott Gustafson, Greg Hildebrandt, Jeff Jones, Gregory Manchess, Iain McCaig, Mike Mignola, Jean-Baptiste Monge, David Trampier, Boris Vallejo, Charles Vess, James Warhola, Michael Whelan, Allen Williams, Mark Zug, Scott Brundage, Wesley Burt, Bastien Lecouffe-Deharme, Nico Delort, Anna Dittmann, Justin Gerard, Cory Godbey, Piotr Jabłoński, Tyler Jacobson, Yoann Lossel, Victo Ngai, Karla Ortiz, Anthony Palumbo, David Palumbo, Alessandra Pisano, Annie Stegg Gerard, Eric Velhagen, and many more.

IMAGES

Red Dragon - Tyler Jacobson - 2014

Tyler Jacobson, Red Dragon, 2014, © Tyler Jacobson
© Wizards of the Coast LLC

Rockwell Fantasy Exhibition

Anna Dittmann, I Dreamt I Could Fly, 2017, © Anna Dittmann

Rockwell Fantasy Exhibition

James Gurney, Garden of Hope, 1994, © James Gurney

Rockwell Fantasy Exhibition

Scott Gustafson, A Mad Tea Party, 1993, © Scott Gustafson

Rockwell Fantasy Exhibition

Nico Delort, The Blessing of Athena, 2015, © Nico Delort

Rockwell Fantasy Exhibition

Scott Brundage, Stacy McGee Takes on the Horror, 2013, © Scott Brundage

Rockwell Fantasy Exhibition

Rose O’Neill, The Kewpies and their Fairy Cousin, 1916

Rockwell Fantasy Exhibition

Brom, The Night Mare, 2017, © Brom

Rockwell Fantasy Exhibition

Jean-Baptiste Monge, The Kensington Lovers, 2006, © Jean-Baptiste Monge

Rockwell Fantasy Exhibition

Gary Gianni, Daenerys Targaryen, 2019, © Gary Gianni

Phoenix - Robin Tost - Mixed metal sewn on steel frame

Phoenix
Mixed metal sewn on steel frame
8’x6’x5′
www.robintost.com

JURIED EXHIBITION

Land of Enchantment

A Fantastical Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition

July 10 through October 31, 2021

Learn More
  For hundreds of years, artists have been inspired by the imaginative potential of fantasy. This outdoor installation of fantastical sculpture is presented in conjunction with our current exhibition, Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Art. The fanciful sculptural works on view throughout the Museum’s thirty-six acre site are inspired by each artist’s imagination and the exhibition’s themes of classical and contemporary mythology, fairy tales, and fantastical heroes and villains.

IMAGE: Arthur Rackham, Storyteller, ca.1905

VIRTUAL SYMPOSIA: Fantasy Illustration

Enchanted: Mythology and Fairy Tales (October 22 and 23, 2021)
Enchanted: Epic Adventures in Fantasy Illustration (June – Past)

Explore the art and history of fantasy illustration and the mythical, mystical, folkloric artworks by masterful artists who are leading the way in this popular genre. Often inspired by the fantastical in literature, fantasy art has been prominent through the centuries in medieval, mannerist, magic realist, romantic, and surrealist imagery. The field’s historical underpinnings and inspirations will be the subject of conversation by exhibition curator Jesse Kowalski as well as prominent practitioners whose art is featured in Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration.

VIDEOS

RELATED EVENTS

View Calendar

MEDIA

The Illustrator’s Studio Podcast

This podcast series will features a number of artists that will be showcased in the Enchanted exhibition.  Learn More>

PRESS & RECOGNITION

Photo story on the “Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration”  July 1, 2021   Locus

Here Be Dragons: The Art of Fantasy Illustration by Rebecca Rego Barry June 28, 2021  Art & Object

“Enchanted: A History Of Fantasy Illustration” At The Norman Rockwell Museum – WAMC Interview with Jesse Kowalski   June 25, 2021  WAMC

Enchanted – A History of Fantasy Illustration at the Norman Rockwell Museum  by Donato Giancola  June 9, 2021  Muddy Colors

Norman Rockwell Museum Road Trip! by Scott Fischer  May 11, 2021  Muddy Colors

2021 Locus Awards Top Ten Finalists May 1, 2021 Locus Magazine

Catalogue Review by Illustrator James Gurney  September 29, 2020 Gurney Journey

New & Notable Books  September 23, 2020 Locus Magazine

Latest Products  July 30, 2020 Buds Art Books

New England Magazine  March 13, 2020  12 of the best exhibitions in New England this Spring

Broadway World Boston  January 8, 2020  World Premiere Exhibition Traces Fantasy Illustration Through Five Centuries at Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum Press Release  January 8, 2020  World Premiere Exhibition Traces Fantasy Illustration through Five Centuries

RELATED PRODUCTS

VIEW ALL MERCHANDISE
Autographed Copy: Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration Exhibit Catalog

Autographed: Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration Exhibit Catalog
$45.99

Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You
$24.99

Arthur Rackham's Book of Pictures

Arthur Rackham’s Book of Pictures
$17.95

D&D Dungeon Master's Screen Reincarnated

D&D Dungeon Master’s Screen Reincarnated
$14.95

Frank Frazetta Warrior Coaster Set

Frank Frazetta Warrior Coaster Set
$9.99

LAND OF ENCHANTMENT Custom Print
Starting at $35.00

VENUE(S)

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA      June 12 through October 31, 2021

Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga, TN      May 20, 2022 through September 5, 2022

Flint Institute of Arts, Flint, MI       September 23, 2022 through January 8, 2023

HOST THIS EXHIBITION

Contact Information:

General Inquiries
413-931-2245
Stephanie Haboush Plunkett
Deputy Director/Chief Curator
Complete Facts
Fee: To Be Determined
Contents: Included are approximately 100 original artworks; paintings; prints, drawings and digital art; video interviews; exhibition catalogue; introductory and informational panels; and object/extended identification labels. For information regarding digital components, contact Rich Bradway, 413.931.2230 or rbradway@nrm.org.
Security: All works must be within sight of a trained security officer/staff member at all times during public hours.
Space Requirements: Approx. 3500 square feet
Shipping: Air ride, Climate controlled
Insurance: All risk fine arts, wall to wall

Hours

OPEN
Mon 10am-4pm
Tue 10am-4pm
Thu 10am-4pm
Fri 10am-4pm
Sat 10am-5pm
Sun 10am-5pm

CLOSED
Wednesdays
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
ROCKWELL’S STUDIO
Closed for the season.
Opens May 1, 2025

Special Holiday Hours: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 10am-2pm.
When attending the Museum, please observe our COVID-19 policies; in addition to Massachusetts Travel Guidelines.

Admissions

There are limited daily tickets for tours of Norman Rockwell’s Studio. It is recommended you purchase your museum admission and studio tour tickets online in advance of your visit.  Museum Visit admission is required for all tours.

Buy Admission

Members Adult Seniors /
Veterans & Military		 Children MA Teachers College
Students
Museum Visit: Free $25 $23 Free $22 $10
Curator Tour:
Original Sisters		 $10 + $20 + $20 Free + $20 + $20
Guided Tour:
Rockwell’s Life & Art
(40 minutes)		 Free +$10 +$10 Free +$10 +$10

There are limited daily tickets for tours of Norman Rockwell’s Studio. It is recommended you purchase your museum admission and studio tour tickets online in advance of your visit.  Museum Visit admission is required for all tours.

Buy Admission

Museum Visit:
Members, Children, & Active Military: FREE
Adults: $25
Seniors & Retired Military: $23
MA Teachers: $22
College Students: $10

Guided Tour:
Rockwell’s Life & Art
(40 minutes) – additional purchase
Members, Children, & Active Military: FREE
Ticket per person: $10

Curator Tour:
Original Sisters
Members: $10
Children: FREE
Adults: $20
Seniors & Active/Retired Military: $20
College Students: $20

Additional Discount Opportunities:

  • Front Line Medical Workers receive free admission.
  • AAA member, NARM member, Stockbridge Resident, and EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare Cardholder discounts available.

For Free and Reduced prices, you may be required to present a valid ID demonstrating your status for qualifying for discounted pricing.

Available Discounts
Kids Free is supported by:
Connector Card is supported by:
Norman Rockwell Museum receives support from:

DIRECTIONS

Norman Rockwell Museum
9 Glendale Road Route 183
Stockbridge, MA 01262
413-931-2221

Download a Printable version of Driving Directions (acrobat PDF).

Important note: Many GPS and online maps do not accurately place Norman Rockwell Museum*. Please use the directions provided here and this map image for reference. Google Maps & Directions are correct! http://maps.google.com/

* Please help us inform the mapping service companies that incorrectly locate the Museum; let your GPS or online provider know and/or advise our Visitor Services office which source provided faulty directions.

Route 7 runs north to south through the Berkshires. Follow Route 7 South to Stockbridge. Turn right onto Route 102 West and follow through Main Street Stockbridge. Shortly after going through town, you will veer to the right to stay on Route 102 West for approximately 1.8 miles. At the flashing light, make a left onto Route 183 South and the Museum entrance is 0.6 miles down on the left.

Route 7 runs north to south through the Berkshires. Follow Route 7 North into Stockbridge. Turn left onto Route 102 West at the stop sign next to The Red Lion Inn. Shortly after you make the left turn, you will veer to the right to stay on Route 102 West for approximately 1.8 miles. At the flashing light, make a left onto Route 183 South and the Museum entrance is 0.6 miles down on the left.

Boston (two-and-a-half hours) or Springfield (one hour):
Take the Ma ssachusetts Turnpike (I-90) West, getting off at exit 10 (formerly exit 2) – Lee. At the light at the end of the ramp turn left onto Route 20 East and then immediately turn right onto Route 102 West. Follow Route 102 West into Stockbridge Center (about five miles). Continue going west on Route 102 (Main St.). Shortly after going through town, you will veer to the right to stay on Route 102 West for approximately 1.8 miles. At the flashing light, make a left onto Route 183 South and the Museum entrance is 0.6 miles down on the left.

from Albany and west: (one hour) Take I-90 east to exit B3 – Route 22. Go south on New York Route 22 to Massachusetts Route 102 East. Stay on Route 102 East through West Stockbridge. Continue on Route 102 East approximately 5.5 miles until you come to a blinking light at the intersection of Route 183. Make a right at the blinking light onto Route 183 South and the Museum entrance is 0.6 miles down on the left.

(two-and-a-half hours) Take either the New York State Thruway or the Taconic State Parkway to I-90 East. Follow I-90 East to exit B3 – Route 22. Go south on New York Route 22 to Massachusetts Route 102 East. Stay on Route 102 East through West Stockbridge. Continue on Route 102 East approximately 5.5 miles until you come to a blinking light at the intersection of Route 183. Make a right at the blinking light onto Route 183 South and the Museum entrance is 0.6 miles down on the left.

(one-and-a-half hours) Take I-91 North to the Massachusetts Turnpike. Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) West, getting off at exit 10 (formerly exit 2) – Lee. At the light at the end of the ramp turn left onto Route 20 East and then immediately turn right onto Route 102 West. Follow Route 102 West into Stockbridge Center (about five miles). Continue going west on Route 102 (Main St.). Shortly after going through town, you will veer to the right to stay on Route 102 West for approximately 1.8 miles. At the flashing light, make a left onto Route 183 South and the Museum entrance is 0.6 miles down on the left.

(five minutes)
Go west on Route 102 (Main St.). Shortly after going through town, you will veer to the right to stay on Route 102 West for approximately 1.8 miles. At the flashing light, make a left onto Route 183 South and the Museum entrance is 0.6 miles down on the left.