Tarzan’s Quest c. 1977

Boris Vallejo painted 'Tarzan's Quest' in an era when pulp adventure and fantasy narratives were enjoying renewed popularity, as well as increased commercial success. Here, we see a muscular Tarzan restrained by a dark-skinned figure, possibly an Indigenous warrior; this depiction evokes a complicated history of colonialism and racial stereotypes, which still saturate much of popular culture. The imposing figure of the warrior, draped in tribal ornaments, poised with a knife, complicates any reading of the artwork. What does it mean to portray him as both threatening and regal? Is this a reflection on the "primitive" versus "civilized," or does it speak to the historical conflicts between colonizers and native populations? Consider how the image plays into or subverts expectations. While rooted in fictional adventure, its engagement with power dynamics and cultural clashes continues to resonate today.