This original, 135mm sculpture is based on my interpretation of the writings of the late J.R.R. Tolkien. It is not--nor was it ever intended to be--a sculptural “still” from Peter Jackson’s cinematic masterpiece, nor a 3-dimensional rendition of any pre-existing graphic work.
Mr. Jackson has done what had long been considered undoable. But in so doing, he has taken considerable artistic license in his depictions of many of the denizens of Middle-earth and/or the events that shaped their lives. While this is not a purist’s indictment, especially as his interpretations have in no way detracted from the spirit or substance of the provenance, it needs to be recognized that he has forever impressed his “vision” of Middle-earth upon countless devotees, new and old.
Thus, if the sculpture before you doesn’t gibe with perhaps recently-acquired impressions of the scene it purports to depict, then the artist has succeeded. It is my hope, however, that it captures at least some of the imagery that inspired the prose upon which it is based*.
*LEGAL NOTICE: This sculpture has been created as a reconstruction of a historical event in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Secondary World” as chronicled in The Lord of the Rings, part III: The Return of the King (pp. 140-143; NY: Ballantine Books, 1973), with additional material gleaned from passages in the above-cited volume, as well as The Lord of the Rings, part II: The Two Towers (NY: Ballantine Books, 1973). In so doing, the artist feels he has kept with the late Prof. Tolkien’s underlying philosophy of what constitutes the ‘alternate reality’ we have come to cherish so dearly; as well as having met the criteria of “fair use” per 17 USC 107.
Otherwise, it is acknowledged that The Hobbit, The Lord of The Rings, and the characters and places therein, etc. are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company dba Tolkien Enterprises, all rights reserved.
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Thankyou so much for posting these here Augie, she's as fantastic as I remember her, I love the 'dignity' she still conveys despite her situation, the stoic look on her face is superb. And that she still looks a lady despite the male attire. Anything else from middle earth tempting you? Hardy
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Hardy.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, my friend. And again, thank you for your gracious interest. I must have done something right, since your description pretty much captures the key emotions that I wanted to convey.
I wrestled with the bulk of her equipment throughout the project, and it is still something with which I've not quite come to terms. Unfortunately, while Prof. Tolkien alludes to Éowyn having personal tailored armour, the implication is that when she rode out as "Dernhelm" she was wearing borrowed Rohirrim armour. If I had to do it over again, I might go with a bit less bulk.
"Anything else. . . ?" Good Lord, one could devote a lifetime to such a fertile garden! My next project was to have been an approximately 1/8th scale Dáin (II) Ironfoot, King and Lord of the Dwarves of the Iron Hills, at the Battle of the Five Armies, in October, TA 2941. And to conclude the short-list, a Ranger of the North. As much as I dislike Pegaso's 90mm so-called Templar Sergeant as a brother-maa, I always thought it would make a splendid Middle-earth Ranger with minor mods.
Thanks again, Hardy!
Augie
This is wonderful Augie, quite truly one of my favorite finished pieces you have ever done. Would have loved to have seen her in person. Thanks for sharing. Jim
ReplyDeletePS--Oops. . . forgot a subject that is DEFINITELY on the short-list: Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. Always wanted to have a go at the Lord of the Swan Knights! A~
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind and generous words, Jim. High praise indeed! It's VERY gratifying to receive this kind of response for a six-year old sculpture.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Augie