The Elvenbane 1991

Boris Vallejo created this fantasy scene, "The Elvenbane," during a resurgence of interest in mythic storytelling.   Vallejo, celebrated for his ability to visualize the fantastic, here places us in a landscape where the boundaries between human and mythical blur. A woman, rendered in soft, classical lines, physically connects with a dragon, a being traditionally coded as monstrous.   The woman's blue dress and her physical vulnerability offer a stark contrast to the dragon’s muscular form. Yet, there is a tenderness in their interaction. Vallejo asks us to consider the power dynamics at play. Is she a captive, a companion, or perhaps something in between?   The background shows both natural and architectural marvels, suggesting ancient civilizations and untold histories. In this moment of contact, Vallejo evokes themes of connection and challenges viewers to reconsider how we see and engage with the 'other.’ It makes you wonder, what other assumptions are we willing to question?