The passing of legendary Spanish fantasy artist Manuel Pérez Clemente, better known as Sanjulián, marks the loss of another giant from the golden age of fantasy illustration.
As a lifelong sword-and-sorcery and fantasy nerd, I have always loved his work. Alongside Frank Frazetta, John and Sal Buscema, Frank Thorne, Richard Corben, Tony DeZuniga, and so many other greats, Sanjulián helped shape my imagination and my love of the genre. His paintings conjured a world of brooding warriors, beautiful women, and dark places.
Pictured here is my copy of Sword’s Edge, a magnificent collection of paintings inspired by the works of Robert E. Howard, and a treasured part of my library.
Another master has passed into legend, but the worlds he created will endure.
Rest in peace, Sanjulián.
~ By Giovanni di Napoli
