Excalibur (Orion, 1981), Original Final Key Movie Poster Artwork by Bob Peak....

Description

Excalibur (Orion, 1981), Original Final Key Movie Poster Artwork by Bob Peak. 1981's Excalibur was director John Boorman's attempt to create epic fantasy for an adult audience. The film took the legends of the King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as recounted in the 15th century book Le Morte d'Arthur and present them with rich, layered symbolism.

Conquest as seen through battle and sexuality, the old magical order ceding to human history without enchantment, love, betrayal, death, and fate are all taken up in this ambitious film. As he so often was, Bob Peak was tasked with encapsulating all of those operatic themes and emotions into a single indelible image. What emerged from that effort is this lushly colorful and hauntingly emotional artwork.

One of Peak's signature techniques was the light flare, which he uses here to cast Excalibur the sword as the centerpiece of the one-sheet poster. Surrounding the sword are knights clashing in battle, Merlin the Wizard, Lancelot and Guinevere in their forbidden lovers embrace, and the deep greens of nature that inevitably devour all human glory, even the world of Camelot.

The campaign is considered one of Peak's best from the period, and this original mixed media on board final key artwork painting is a masterpiece that has been beautifully preserved. Dramatically framed with a very minor bow to the board, pinholes, and only minimal wear at the extreme edges. Measuring 39" x 30.5" and framed to 57.5" x 49", it is signed B. Peak in the lower right. Not examined outside of frame.

Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. From the Treasures from the Bob Peak Collection.

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