# Frank Frazetta artist context and auction value notes

Canonical page: https://appraisily.com/artist/frank-frazetta/
Profile generated: 2026-05-30T21:14:30.000Z
Quality: high confidence, strong sources

## Artist identity

- Birth date: 1928-02-09
- Death date: 2010-05-10
- Nationality: American
- Movements: Fantasy art, Science fiction illustration
- Common media: Oil painting, Comic book illustration, Paperback book cover illustration, Poster art, LP record album cover art

## About Frank Frazetta

Frank Frazetta (1928–2010) was an American illustrator and painter whose work defined the visual language of modern fantasy and science fiction art. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he began his professional career in the mid-1940s and went on to produce iconic comic book pages, paperback novel covers, movie posters, and LP record album sleeves. Often called the "Godfather of fantasy art," Frazetta is widely regarded as one of the most influential illustrators of the 20th century. His paintings for the Conan and Tarzan series, among others, set enduring visual standards for heroic and barbarian imagery that continue to shape the genre. Frazetta was the subject of the 2003 documentary Painting with Fire. His legacy is maintained through his family's official gallery and archive.

## Common works and media

Frazetta is most commonly encountered in appraisal and auction contexts as original oil paintings, published paperback cover illustrations, comic book interior and cover pages, promotional movie posters, limited-edition lithographic prints, and LP record album cover art. Subjects include barbarian warriors, sword-and-sorcery heroines, prehistoric and jungle scenes, monsters, and science fiction tableaux. Licensed reproductions of his iconic paintings circulate widely as posters and collectible prints.

## Market and appraisal context

Frazetta's original oil paintings are the most sought-after category at auction, with prices reflecting provenance, subject matter, and the specific publication or series tied to the commission. Reproduced posters, limited-edition prints, and comic book pages form an active secondary market at more accessible price points. Collectors should distinguish between original paintings, authorized limited editions, and mass-produced reproductions, as value differs dramatically across these categories. Authentication and clear provenance are critical, especially for works lacking documentation from the Frazetta estate or gallery. Condition is a major factor for works on paper, including posters and comic art.

## Appraisily data basis

Appraisily artist pages combine structured artist identity research from library authorities and public archives with auction records, auction-house context, sale dates, realized prices, and comparable lots when those records are available. For Frank Frazetta, identity data is drawn from the Getty Union List of Artist Names, VIAF, the RKD Netherlands Institute for Art History, the Library of Congress, and Wikidata.

## Sources

- Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q448205
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Frazetta
- Getty Vocabulary Program: https://vocab.getty.edu/page/ulan/500111285
- VIAF: https://viaf.org/viaf/66467385/
- Library of Congress: https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n50025484
- RKD — Netherlands Institute for Art History: https://rkd.nl/en/explore/artists/426864
- Frank Frazetta: http://www.frazettaartgallery.com/ff/bio/index.html