(click for larger image) A journey of over a decade has come to an end! I finally found one of the Darrell K. Sweet covers to one my favorite fantasy novels! I started collecting original comic art in around 2003 and started thinking about the original art for The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever. Originally a trilogy of books, and later followed up by sequels, these books really spoke to me when I read them in my adolescence. I was a big Dungeons and Dragons player (for those old enough to remember), and when I saw the book covers they brought to life that fantasy world which existed in my mind.
When I stated blogging in 2007, I posted a request for information about where the original paintings for the covers might be (here). I searched ebay, spoke with other collectors of sci-fi and fantasy art, spoke with art dealers, and networked with anyone who I thought could shed some light on where they might be. Nobody seemed to know. I spoke with the artist’s former agent who inquired with Mr. Sweet if he recalled where they ended up. It turned out to be a dead end; he could not recall because they were sold so long ago (Mr. Sweet has since passed away).
As time passed, I would often contemplate the notion that I might never see one of the originals. Were they buried deep in someone’s private collection? Perhaps in Europe or Asia? Were they destroyed in a flood or fire? Did someone who didn’t know what they were accidentally discard them? I wondered all these things. I got to the point that I would have been happy just to know they still existed. But fate had something better in store! After years of searching, I was able to find this painting and make it my own! In light of all that history, this piece has a very special place in my collection – I treasure it.
For those who have read the novel, this painting may be the best of the original trilogy in that it features so many important characters and story elements– the hero (or fool?) Thomas Covenant with his “half hand”, the giant Saltheart Foamfollower, Bannor of the Bloodgaurd, and High Lord Elena (and perhaps a Raver). In the background we see the Colossus of the Fall. In the foreground we see the Staff of Law, and most importantly, a certain white gold ring. :)
One down, three to go:
