io5f066 1978Cover Greg Hildebrandt

The composition centers around two figures positioned within a dense woodland setting. A dwarf, clad in earthy brown garments and sporting a long beard, stands slightly behind a taller figure who appears to be human. The man is dressed in simple, light-colored clothing, with a cloak draped over his shoulders. He holds a drawn bow, suggesting readiness or vigilance. Both figures are partially obscured by the massive trunk of an ancient tree, its roots sprawling across the foreground and covered in delicate white blossoms.
The artist has employed a rich palette dominated by greens and browns, creating a sense of depth and enclosure within the forest. Light filters through the canopy above, illuminating specific areas while leaving others shrouded in shadow. This interplay of light and dark contributes to an atmosphere of mystery and potential danger. The dwarf’s gaze is directed forward, seemingly towards something beyond the viewers perspective, while the man’s focus remains on his bow.
Above the scene, a decorative scroll unfurls, bearing text that indicates this is a calendar for the year 1978 and acknowledges the illustrations as being by The Brothers Hildebrandt. The ornate lettering and swirling flourishes of the scroll introduce an element of fantasy and heraldry to the overall design.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of companionship and protection. The dwarf’s position behind the man suggests a role of support or guardianship. The bow held by the human implies a need for defense against unseen threats lurking within the forest. The presence of the blossoming roots hints at renewal and hidden life beneath the surface. Overall, the work evokes a sense of adventure and exploration within a fantastical realm, while also suggesting an underlying tension between safety and peril.