Barlowe's Inferno

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While the historical Hannibal actually does appear in GOD’S DEMON, it’s Sargatanas who utilizes certain principles and elements from his life. I often do detailed drawings before putting paint on the palette but this was not the case with this painting.

Much as I did with EXPEDITION, I plan to do a series of wildlife paintings focusing on the fauna of Hell. Aware that their era is coming to a close, their heightened bitterness compels them to acts of wanton aggression against any intruders who stray into their territories. What Remains – (unpublished – acrylic on Gessoboard) – As much as Hell is a place of unrelenting horror and savagery it is, too, a place of sadness. In Inferno, Barlowe envisions an entire living landscape grown and tortured into a gnashing organ of torment. Sharing the world of Hell, the demons and Abyssals co-exist in an uneasy relationship with both sides preying upon each other.Sargatanas – (from Barlowe’ Inferno, acrylic on ragboard) – A former seraph and now a Brigadier General and Demon Major of enormous power, Sargatanas was a hero in Lucifer’s War with Heaven. Lee was looking for a British publisher for her book "The Birthgrave," but was denied at every House she went. She then wrote to American publisher DAW, known for it's fantasy and horror selections, who immediately accepted her manuscript and published the book in 1975. For a variety of reasons I’d rather not elaborate upon here, I decided to separate this entity visually from all of the other demons in Hell and go with a somewhat more abstract form.

Beelzebub’s Keep – (unpublished – acrylic on Gessoboard) – There is no single construct in Hell that typifies the monolithic evil of its rulers more than this enormous edifice. A poor condition book can still make a good reading copy but is generally not collectible unless the item is very scarce.

The fact that Lucifer went to war in large part because of them has created a curiosity that many demons find irresistible. Hell’s First Born – (from Barlowe’s Inferno, acrylic on panel) – A giant Abyssal stands upon a scalding field outside the walls of Adamantinarx. And so in this art, in the horror and cruelty and disregard of the sacred human soul, there is still beauty and striving.

More than just a collection of eye-popping paintings, Barlowe's work comprises a visionary world, complete with commentary and a foundation in the myths and beliefs of multiple cultures. Since his Fall, he has established himself as one of the few demons capable of rivaling the Prince for control of Hell.I wanted to enjoy the act of creating these inquisitive demons and felt that being too slavish to a sketch might make them less lively. Barlowe's visions of hell are unique and beautiful, and his intent to make them timeless and cross-cultural is fully successful. Sargatanas before the Behemoths – (from BRUSHFIRE: Illuminations from the Inferno, acrylic on ragboard) – Created primarily as siege weapons, the Behemoths can prove to be potent weapons upon the battlefield as well. Unless they are escorted by significant numbers of armed demons they are frequently lost without a trace.