MTG Mirage Calendar - Zirilan of the Claw - Magic the Gathering

This is one of my favorites in my collection. Zirilan of the Claw art for a 1998 Magic the Gathering calendar. I personally think this is the best piece Geof Darrow ever did for MTG despite it never being printed on an actual card. As always with Geof's work it's on a blanket-sized sheet of strathmore paper packed with detail. Thank you to Matt E. for helping me find this piece and Tom Coker for reluctantly letting it go!



Here is some deep deep nerd lore about the piece courtesy of Wizards of the Coast:
Zirilian is an ancient Viashino warlord who has supernatural control over dragons of all kinds. He posseses both the ability to summon dragons and the knowledge to use them wisely. "The Viashino people are said to be descendants of the ancient dragons and are known to treat poorly any who wear scales or dragon claws with pride." Zhalfirin Guide to the Desert.

Zirilan was one of the first very powerful commanders due to his ability to tutor dragons for combo wins.

I would love to find the original inks to this this piece, as it contains a little more background art that was lightboxed in.