THE LAND OF MORDOR:
Illustration by Larry Neilson
Part of a series of illustrations for J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, this frontispiece shows Frodo on Amon Hen, the Seat of Seeing, having a vision of the preparations for war all over Middle-Earth. His eye is drawn inevitably, inexorably to Mordor and the Dark Tower where Sauron's evil eye is seeking him out. The illustration attempts to capture Frodo's horror and fear of the dark powers as he realizes their full strength and malice. Yet at the same time, the natural beauty of Middle-Earth is represented by the Falls of Rauros at the foot of the hill. Perhaps an element of hope in dark times.
Never before published, the illustration is presented here for the first time. Watercolor, ink and tempera on rag paper. 18" x 50".