Frazetta???? You decide

[artcollector9]

Exactly, plus it isn't even thought out---it seems to be a head on a chain, all wrong---the forger has mixed two pieces-- two different concepts...it is a BALL and chain OR holding a head by the hair.

[DR.X]

The legs seem all wrong too. Look at the difference in the shape of the leg coming forward and the foot. On the forgery they seemed to have cross hatched the back leg almost completely away.

 

DRX

[spider9698]

Not to mention the shadow on the ground. The top piece demonstrates depth of the barbarian, the bottom drawing struggles to find any sense of orientation or space.

 

[DR.X]

Yes, I see what you mean. You know, the more you look at it actually, the worse the comparison.

 

 

DRX

[spider9698]

Well Frank Jr called me and we had a discussion. This is a summary of our call.

1) The seller is selling these pieces through Frank, Jr. Frank, Jr does not own any of these pieces

2) The seller acquired these pieces directly from Ellie during the Museum opening eight years ago.

3) These pieces are all "vintage," i.e. done at Frank's prime, not after suffering the strokes during the 1990s.

4) When I told him that many people, including myself, feel that these were not done by Frank, I was told that is impossible and the pieces are classic Frazetta.

 

Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I, myself, am not inclined to purchase any of these pieces. Many of you know that I love Frank's preliminary work and own or have owned over a dozen of these tiny little gems. I wouldn't touch these with a ten foot pole.

 

 

[artcollector9]

Me neither, and I've owned over 25 of these.

 

Caveat emptor.

[KLNole]

I certainly would not consider that sketch classic Frazetta. Thanks for all your work on this.

[DiceX]

I can't believe Frank Jr can't spring for at least a cheap $50 digital camera.

I would have never in my wildest dreams believed that these auctions were legit.

 

 

[*paull*]

Let me get this straight... you are claiming that Frank Jr. is forging his father's work or are you claiming that Frank Jr. is being duped by someone else bringing back work to sell through them that Frazetta didn't do?

[aardvark88]

Perhaps that pen/ink sketch really was drawn by the LEFT-hand of Frazetta Sr? It lacks the fluidity and confident pen stroke of a capable Master artist.

[artcollector9]

No, his left handed pieces feel and look better-plus these are purportedly vintage prelims done when the oil painting was executed.

[spider9698]

In addition, the bulk of Frank's left handed work is done in pencil which is much more forgiving that that of ink. Besides, the ink piece is "signed" 1977 when Frank was at or near his apex of artistic talent.

 

[buyatari]

So do you think it is possible someone bought the roughs redid them and then offered the fakes with the original reciepts back to Jr?

 

Seems like a bold move and you have to wonder how something like that could happen.

 

Did they keep photographs of all pieces that were sold. Perhaps they should compare it to the photos on file.

[spider9698]

Good question. That would be pretty involved but then again we are talking serious money.

 

[artcollector9]

That doesn't seem likely.

[chainnball]

I have seen the STACKS of sketches they still have from Frank. Some better than others. Be careful before you start spouting off that Jr is forging anything. Knowing Jr, I don't believe it for a second. They are called prelims for a reason. They are ROUGH versions.

[spider9698]

Brian

I am not for a second stating that Frank, Jr. is forging these items. I am saying that these items currently up for sale look NOTHING like the work produced by Frank, Sr. Anyone who has collected this material for any period of time will tell you the same thing. Is it suprising then, that the last item, the prelim to Darkness Weaves, has not sold. That is an iconic painting. I know a half dozen collectors who would have punched that BIN in a second if they truly believed that to be done by Frank's hands. When a smaller, less finished pen and ink gets hammered down on ebay for $2000-3000, this should be a bargain in comparison. I too have seen STACKS of drawings at the Frazetta's. I've gone through Frank's studio with him by my side looking at his art. This looks NOTHING like the artwork produced by the living legend.

Stephen

[artcollector9]

Agreed with Stephen...perhaps Frank Jr ought to only sell art that has been in his control for all these years, you never know... I too am not accusing anyone of anything, but the art doesn't lie...these don't seem right.

[spider9698]

The prelim has now been taken off ebay

[chainnball]

In speaking with Frank Jr today on an unrelated topic, he mentioned this. He said he showed the art in question to his father and Frank Sr. confirmed that he did it. Really shouldn't be any question beyond that.