Best of 2025 :: Published/Unpublished Comic Book Pin-Ups, Illustrations, Trading Cards

La Nef des Etoiles (The Vessel of Stars)

Owner: Al Simpleton
Artist: Philippe Druillet (All)

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Artwork Details

Title:	La Nef des Etoiles (The Vessel of Stars)
Artist:	Philippe Druillet (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Illustration
Views:	201
Likes on CAF:	7 8
Added to Site:	2/13/2025

Description

A creation beyond limits, as is customary for Philippe Druillet!

Designed in 1975, as part of a series of 4 large-size posters, this pen and ink illustration has been crafted at the actual publishing format, that is 40x28".

Of course, the level of details is mind-boggling! The depth and the myriad levels of the composition convey a sense of permanent movement, mirrored in the wild waves of the untamed and unnamed ocean on which soars the vessel, a real barbarian cathedral. Behind her, 3, maybe 4 other ships are closing by to join as the skies are caught in a whirlwind, announcing their arrival. In the breach, stars and constellations splash the cosmic skies. Strange reptilian birds fly by, but some are caught in the tempest and drown beneath the waves. In the bottom right corner, humano�d creatures, with heavy jewelry, contemplate the scene.

While being reused in other contexts (notably, illustrating works by Gustave Flaubert and H.P. Lovecraft), I feel this impressive work is more to be linked with Michael Moorcock and his own Elric of Melnibone, which has been a major influence on Druillet during the late 60's/early 70's. The mix of barbarian and cosmic fantasy can be found in the first stories of Loane Sloane and, more prominently, in the Yraga�l/Urm the Mad cycle in which certain pages are directly culled or inspired by works Druillet did in conjunction with Elric (Above all, this massive fleet of gigantic ships...).

This is a grail, for sure! And, as my collection started half a century ago with another grail from the same artist (thanks, in both cases, to dear family members), I feel it's now all coming nicely in a karmic circle of sorts...

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About the Owner

	Al Simpleton ( 1 )
Joined:	August 2013
Last Login:	January 2026
Country:	FRANCE
On CAF:	Al's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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