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Al Simpleton FRANCE
Member Since August 2013
403 Artworks | Watched by 41

La Nef des Etoiles (The Vessel of Stars)

Location: Druillet, Philippe
Artist: Philippe Druillet (All)

280  Views  -  19  Comments  -  7  Likes

La Nef des Etoiles (The Vessel of Stars)
Artwork Details
Location: Druillet, Philippe
Title: La Nef des Etoiles (The Vessel of Stars)*
Artist:  Philippe Druillet (All)
Media Type: Pen and Ink
Art Type: Illustration
For Sale Status: NFS
Views: 280
Likes on CAF: 7
Comments: 19
Added to Site: 2/13/2025

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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, humanoïd 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 Yragaël/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...

About The Owner
Al Simpleton ( 1 )
Member Since: August 2013
Last Login: July 2026
Country: FRANCE
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Comments on this Artwork

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Nils E Member Since 2014
1    
Posted On 2/13/2025

Crazy detail, barbarian acid goth

 Al Simpleton Member Since 2013
Posted On 2/13/2025

Nils E wrote:
"  Crazy detail, barbarian acid goth
 "

Thanks Nils! My point, exactly!

 Rick W Member Since 2017
1    
Posted On 2/13/2025

All kinds of cool!

 Al Simpleton Member Since 2013
1    
Posted On 2/13/2025

Rick W wrote:
"  All kinds of cool!
 "

Thanks Rick! Yep, twisted but cool!

 Rob  Pistella Member Since 2005
Forum Moderator
1    
Posted On 2/13/2025

Powerful amd mesmerizing drawing!!! Bravo!!

 

 Al Simpleton Member Since 2013
1    
Posted On 2/13/2025

Rob Pistella wrote:
"  Powerful amd mesmerizing drawing!!! Bravo!!
 
 "

Thanks Rob! This piece is special to me in so many ways that I doubt I'll be able to experience such a thrill again!

 Alexandre Collection Member Since 2010
1    
Posted On 2/15/2025

Magnifique !!!

 Al Simpleton Member Since 2013
Posted On 2/15/2025

Alexandre Collection wrote:
"  Magnifique !!!
 "

Merci Alexandre !

 Red Raven Member Since 2012
1    
Posted On 2/21/2025

impressionnant, bravo !!

 Al Simpleton Member Since 2013
Posted On 3/1/2025

Red Raven wrote:
"  impressionnant, bravo !!
 "

Merci Adom ! C'est clairement un couronnement pour moi...

 Mark Levy Member Since 2004
1    
Posted On 2/21/2025

Wow, there is a lot of excellent work on this page - love the waves!

 Al Simpleton Member Since 2013
Posted On 3/1/2025

Mark Levy wrote:
"  Wow, there is a lot of excellent work on this page - love the waves!
 "

Thanks Mark! I just wish I could have put a bigger picture, so that everyone can enjoy the details...

 Bill J Member Since 2009
1    
Posted On 3/14/2025

Wow! I don't remember the last time i saw a drawing with so much detail! This Barbarian Ship, as you call it, is sailing over a tempest-tossed sea that threatens to sink it at every wave! Yet, behind it, other mysterious ships seem to be racing to catch up!  One ship seems to be silhouetted as it crosses the enormous full moon! The sea itself is a swirling, twisting, rising force of nature and the howling winds that sweep across its surface echo the same restless nature and tempestuous spirit. Absolutely phenomenal drawing by Phillippe Druillet! Wonderful pick-up, congrats!

 Al Simpleton Member Since 2013
Posted On 3/15/2025

Bill J wrote:
"  Wow! I don't remember the last time i saw a drawing with so much detail! This Barbarian Ship, as you call it, is sailing over a tempest-tossed sea that threatens to sink it at every wave! Yet, behind it, other mysterious ships seem to be racing to catch up!  One ship seems to be silhouetted as it crosses the enormous full moon! The sea itself is a swirling, twisting, rising force of nature and the howling winds that sweep across its surface echo the same restless nature and tempestuous spirit. Absolutely phenomenal drawing by Phillippe Druillet! Wonderful pick-up, congrats!
 "

Thanks Bill! This ship looks to me as if she comes from another place and Philippe Druillet is opening the door to it...

 Fredo Le Member Since 2006
1    
Posted On 4/28/2025

Puissant!

 Fredo Le Member Since 2006
1    
Posted On 4/28/2025

Puissant!

 Al Simpleton Member Since 2013
Posted On 1/23/2026

Fredo Le wrote:
"  Puissant!
 "

Merci Fredo, c'est une bonne synthèse !

 Paul Roach Member Since 2014
1    
Posted On 1/21/2026

That is exceptional, and features so many of Druillet's motifs - the bones, the lizard-frill sails, mixing the natural world with an undead mechanical technology. The figures at the prow of the boat and in the water look on passively as if not part of any action, but just observers. It is very much his fantasy vision, whatever the influences. An epic, glorious piece.

 Al Simpleton Member Since 2013
Posted On 1/23/2026

Paul Roach wrote:
"  That is exceptional, and features so many of Druillet's motifs - the bones, the lizard-frill sails, mixing the natural world with an undead mechanical technology. The figures at the prow of the boat and in the water look on passively as if not part of any action, but just observers. It is very much his fantasy vision, whatever the influences. An epic, glorious piece.
 "

Thanks Paul! I agree, obviously! It really is Philippe Druillet's artistic vision that grabs you and does not let you go!

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