Pan's Labyrinth (Tequila Gang, 2006), Raúl Monge - Early Concept Sketch of the Pale Man, Original Art.

Description

Pan's Labyrinth (Tequila Gang, 2006), Raúl Monge - Early Concept Sketch of the Pale Man, Original Art. A formative work in the visual development of Pan's Labyrinth, this original concept sketch by Raúl Monge presents an early version of the Pale Man-one of Guillermo del Toro's most haunting creations. Rendered in red pencil with a 13" x 7" image area on 16" x 12" artist's paper, the drawing shows a semi-transparent, elderly figure with large, staring eyes and no mouth, seated in an ornate throne. This design marks a transitional stage between the faceless creature seen in del Toro's notebooks and the final version with eyes embedded in its hands. Monge was instrumental in shaping the Pale Man's final look, working closely with del Toro through several iterations, including versions with and without eyes. Similar designs to this one appear on page 199 of Guillermo del Toro Cabinet of Curiosities: My Notebooks, Collections, and Other Obsessions and reflect the evolving visual language that shaped the Pale Man's final form. On the verso, Monge sketched an alternate view of the Pale Man rising from a long, cross-shaped table, supporting himself with his skeletal arms. The table features ornate carvings and flame motif variations-details offered for del Toro's consideration during preproduction. The final design emerged from close collaboration between del Toro, Monge, and FX team DDT Efectos Especiales, evolving from an earlier concept del Toro called the "Shadow Man," a "soul eater." del Toro recalled telling his wife, "I have two options: one is an old man with stumps for hands, and another where he takes off the face and I put two eyes on a plate, and he puts the eyes on the face." She chose the version with the eyes on the plate. The now-iconic eyes-in-palms detail-ultimately inspired by stigmata-became the defining feature of the Pale Man. This drawing captures a critical transitional stage in the creation of one of modern cinema's most unforgettable monsters. Exhibits light handling. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. From the personal collection of Guillermo del Toro.

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