Fortunino Matania
Fortunino Matania
I thought some members may like to see this work "Queen Elizabeth Confers the knighthood on Sir Francis Drake" by Fortunino Matania, that appeared in 'Playhour' in early 1958. Just a one off in between the normal story spreads.
On the cover they mention it is there for readers to frame.
I have posted it here rather than the 'Playhour' topic in case anyone would like to comment on this and his other rather spectacular work.
On the cover they mention it is there for readers to frame.
I have posted it here rather than the 'Playhour' topic in case anyone would like to comment on this and his other rather spectacular work.
- standby4action
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Re: Fortunino Matania
Brilliant work by Matania. It's lovely to see him getting recognition after being out in the cold for quite a while. He was Frank Bellamy's favourite and they met in Matania's studio once and exchanged Christmas cards.
Thanks for sharing Matrix
Thanks for sharing Matrix
Re: Fortunino Matania
I agree that he was a fantastic artist. Leonard Matthews was also a big fan who reprinted a lot of Matania's work from old AP magazines in the comics he was responsible for - though it's possible that this piece was specially commissioned for Playhour (as the series of Kings and Queens of England in early issues of Look & Learn seem to have been). Interestingly Fleetway/IPC featured a whole load of Matania's illustrations during the 1970s (albeit in murky black and white) in an obscure annual called The Eagle Book of Amazing Stories.
Last edited by philcom55 on 10 Nov 2015, 13:07, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Fortunino Matania
Thanks for the replies! I must admit it really is very different for 'Playhour'.
I find his world war one pieces fascinating as well, here are a couple of examples.
I like the way the girl in the factory is looking his way, almost like he is taking a photo.
I find his world war one pieces fascinating as well, here are a couple of examples.
I like the way the girl in the factory is looking his way, almost like he is taking a photo.
Re: Fortunino Matania
Marvellous! My Grandmother worked in an ordnance factory just like that, and suffered a genuine 'war wound' of her own when some of the acid they used in manufacturing shells burned a hole right through her foot!
Incidentally, Peter Richardson wrote an excellent feature on Matania for the third issue of his 'Illustrators' magazine - highly recommended if you've not already seen it (though somebody really ought to produce a whole book on him!).
Incidentally, Peter Richardson wrote an excellent feature on Matania for the third issue of his 'Illustrators' magazine - highly recommended if you've not already seen it (though somebody really ought to produce a whole book on him!).
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Re: Fortunino Matania
Book Palace Books have a Fotunino Matania book in the works. See http://bookpalace.com/acatalog/Drawing_ ... SID=174for more details.
- stevezodiac
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Re: Fortunino Matania
So why does someone like Picasso sell for millions when a far better artist like this is virtually unknown? What would you rather have on your wall? Same goes for Monet - not my cup of tea at all. Give me a Leslie Caswell rendition any day.
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Re: Fortunino Matania
If I had a pound for every time I've heard this I'd be a rich artist.stevezodiac wrote:So why does someone like Picasso sell for millions when a far better artist like this is virtually unknown? What would you rather have on your wall? Same goes for Monet - not my cup of tea at all. Give me a Leslie Caswell rendition any day.
Basically, in art, "better" doesn't necessarily mean more photo-realistic. It can be about what they convey, or what radical techniques they bring to art. Van Gogh was a genius for his art, but still some people only notice he drew chairs a bit wonky.
The blog of British comics: http://lewstringer.blogspot.com
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My website: http://www.lewstringer.com
Blog about my own work: http://lewstringercomics.blogspot.com/
- stevezodiac
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Re: Fortunino Matania
Yes I suppose being the logical type I expect a painting to be exactly the same as the image that has been painted and will never be into impressionists.
Re: Fortunino Matania
To be fair Matania originals do attract high bids at auction - though not in the same league as Roy Lichtenstein, whose comicbook-inspired 'Nurse' sold for over $95,000,000 a few days ago!
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Re: Fortunino Matania
I've no time for Lichtenstein and his poor copies of comic art.philcom55 wrote:To be fair Matania originals do attract high bids at auction - though not in the same league as Roy Lichtenstein, whose comicbook-inspired 'Nurse' sold for over $95,000,000 a few days ago!
The blog of British comics: http://lewstringer.blogspot.com
My website: http://www.lewstringer.com
Blog about my own work: http://lewstringercomics.blogspot.com/
My website: http://www.lewstringer.com
Blog about my own work: http://lewstringercomics.blogspot.com/
Re: Fortunino Matania
Those are terrific! That ordnance factory one in particular. You can almost hear the noise!matrix wrote:Thanks for the replies! I must admit it really is very different for 'Playhour'.
I find his world war one pieces fascinating as well, here are a couple of examples.
I like the way the girl in the factory is looking his way, almost like he is taking a photo.
- standby4action
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Re: Fortunino Matania
Well, that's definitley a new one on me...shan't be chasing it though based on your recommendation Thanks Phil for providing that info thoughphilcom55 wrote:Interestingly Fleetway/IPC featured a whole load of Matania's illustrations during the 1970s (albeit in murky black and white) in an obscure annual called The Eagle Book of Amazing Stories.
- stevezodiac
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Re: Fortunino Matania
Similar in style I have been admiring the art of Miller Watt in early issues of Princess comic here are some examples:
I googled the name Miller Watt (in some issues there was a third name which I cannot remember) but I found a painter called Mary Miller Watt. Any relation?
I googled the name Miller Watt (in some issues there was a third name which I cannot remember) but I found a painter called Mary Miller Watt. Any relation?
Re: Fortunino Matania
Great stuff! One of only a handful of comic artists that DC Thomson allowed to sign their own work!