Original Album Cover Art for Elton John's Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975) By British Artist Ala...

Description

Original Album Cover Art for Elton John's Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975) By British Artist Alan Aldridge (1938-2017). Alan Aldridge (British, 1938-2017)
Airbrush on board
13.25 x 26.325 inches (sight)
19.5 x 30 inches (overall board)
22.75 x 35.5 inches (frame)
Unsigned

Eye-popping impressive detail. This was Elton's ninth studio album, released May 23rd, 1975.
Elton John as "Captain Fantastic" and Bernie Taupin as "The Brown Dirt Cowboy." The record was written in chronological order, explained the early years of struggle and sacrifice, both Elton on the composing side and Bernie on the lyrics side of their music. It was, in effect, a concept album. This original artwork was created by Alan Aldridge. The current owner met Alan in the late 1980s in his framing shop and they struck up a friendship and working relationship. He obtained the artwork over 35 years ago.

Alan made a name for himself by creating the album cover art for the Who's second album A Quick One. He also illustrated the Beatles Illustrated Lyrics and Cream's final album cover design, Goodbye Cream.

When Alan started work on this cover he took some of his inspiration from the classic painting "The Garden of Earthly Delights" from Master Hieronymus Bosch. Bosch painted three large triptychs between 1490 and 1510 covering the Garden of Eden to the last judgement. The middle panel also described as the "Garden of Lusts" inspired Aldridge to create a wonderful scape of creatures and imaginary characters to compliment the style of the record.

Elton composed most of the music on a transatlantic ship crossing from the UK to New York. The album was recorded at Caribou Ranch. The album featured one single: "Someone Saved My Life Tonight." The song detailed the story of John's engagement to Linda Woodrow. The relationship did not work out and led to his suicide attempt in 1968.

We cannot express enough how wonderful this painting looks in person. Its place in rock n roll history cannot be overstated. The colors are vivid, charming and strikingly rich. Elton said it best. "Alan delivered a visual package beyond my wildest dreams for Captain Fantastic," he said. "Never have I been so pleased with the artwork for an album."

Pre-sales went gold and when released went to number one. Elton John was interviewed in 2006. "I've always thought that Captain Fantastic was probably my finest album because it wasn't commercial in any way. We did have songs such as 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight,' which is one of the best songs that Bernie and I have ever written together, but whether a song like that could be a single these days, since it's more than six minutes long, is questionable. Captain Fantastic was written from start to finish in running order, as a kind of story about coming to terms with failure-or trying desperately not to be one. We lived that story."

In good condition with a few scattered losses, and areas of separation of the paint layer from the board, including a small spot lower left in skull, a figure's leg lower right, and a small 1/2 inch lifted area along the sphere edge lower right.

The preliminary drawing was masked out with tape then, each individual area of color was cut, removed, and recovered for airbrushing. This process led to embossed/cut lines or a build-up of paint along each color's edge, which is visible under raking light. A few scattered losses, and areas of separation of the paint layer from the board.

The detail is stunning. The more you look and admire this painting the more you will see. This may be a cliche but it looks so much better in person. An original piece of musical history such as this does not surface very often. Do not miss out on this optically pleasing opportunity. We are very humbled and excited to be able to offer such a one of a kind sterling example. COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: Owner met Alan in the late 1980s in his framing shop and they struck up a friendship and working relationship. He obtained the artwork over 35 years ago.


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