Yeah, I'm Nuts

In the previous post I said I was probably nuts for thinking Frank Papé may have inspired Will Elder with his rendering style and sense of humor. Well, yeah, I'm nuts. In the back of my head I think I had this rendering from a Mad magazine in mind:

This is Elder's funny rendering of 12 year old Pocahontas putting herself in harm's way to save John Smith. I'm not even sure whether the entire drawing is Elder's, or maybe he doctored an old print. Either way I think it's an anomaly for Elder. But still, take a close look at some of those Papé drawings—the funny little details, the animated gestures . . . I dunno, I bet Elder could've seen that stuff and eaten it up . . .

Spectrum of Style

To me, Frank Pape's work is a joy to behold, yet it's interesting how his style runs a spectrum even within one book. His illustrations for a 1926 edition of Thaïs by Anatole France — as seen here — are dramatic, decorative, sensual AND humorous. His work is somewhat comparable to Willy Pogany.

I'm probably nuts, but looking at this work, I see a possibly huge inspiration on Mad Magazine's genius artist Will Elder, especially his early stuff. I'll post one of those next time, just to compare.

Anyway, Frank Papé should be an inspiration to many.