Pandora’s Box 1990

Boris Vallejo made "Pandora's Box" using paint, probably oils, in 1990. The light here is so dramatic! Vallejo lays down these soft gradations of color, creating a really airbrushed effect across the figure and the rocks. The dark palette really enhances the intensity and drama of the narrative. Take a look at how the light emanates from the box, softly illuminating Pandora’s face. The texture of the rocks, the curve of the figure, all rendered with this amazing smoothness. It's kind of like hyper-realism, but with a layer of fantasy. Vallejo's work kind of reminds me of Frank Frazetta, who also had this knack for painting these muscular figures in epic landscapes. It's like they're both building on a tradition of history painting, but turning it into something totally new and over-the-top!