We are very proud to present imagery from one of the great American artists, Frank Frazetta, through the collection of Frazetta’s closest personal friend of over 40 years, as well as connoisseur, historian, and champion of the master’s work, DocDave Winiewicz.
Dave himself is a legend in the world of art collectors and unparalleled in his knowledge of the history and legacy of Frank Frazetta. We are grateful and privileged that DocDave chose Profiles in History to showcase these amazing art pieces from his unrivalled collection. DocDave not only offers the collector a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an actual piece from the collection he painstakingly amassed over decades of his relationship, admiration and study of Frazetta but in these pages he has curated a definitive narrative of Frazetta’s evolution as an artist – and a man.
Here you’ll experience not only familiar images that have become iconic over time, but you’ll also gain insight into methods, processes and inspirations that fed the imagination and accomplishment of the great Frank Frazetta. In addition to beautiful, fully realized watercolours, oils, and pen and ink masterpieces, you’ll marvel at sketches, concepts and experiments that contributed to the monumental talents and world-famous style of Frazetta. Taken in total, these works truly showcase Frazetta’s creativity in its purest and most expert form. There is something for everyone in this sale. From coveted pieces related to Conan, Flash Gordon, Tarzan and other indelible characters, that through Frazetta’s work have become ingrained in the collective consciousness, to personal correspondence, signed ephemera, artist’s tools and even some rare commercial collectibles within reach of every level of collector who’s ever dreamt of owning a piece of Frank Frazetta’s work.
As you turn these pages, DocDave will take you on a colourful and insightful tour of his collection including some of the most essential creations that blossomed from the mind, pen and brush of the great Frank Frazetta. In fact, some pieces would have been lost to the ages if not for Dave’s tenacity and foresight in preserving them.
- Profiles In History, November 2015
- 10.5″ x 14.5″ hardcover, 200 pages
- $95 USD
- Order online: eBay
As with all AE format material (Artist’s Editions, Artifact Editions, Gallery Editions, Art Editions, Studio Editions, etc.), this is a collection of classic comic material and I’ll be reviewing the book and not the story. For a complete list of all current and announced editions, with review links, please visit our Index. Also, see What is an Artist’s Edition and our Artist Index. This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
Something a little different for the Artist’s Edition Index, reviewing auction catalogues. This was my first choice as it’s a deluxe hardcover of original art scans and presents the material very well. It was also the first time I spent $95 on an auction catalogue, but it was well worth it. Especially since I received two more catalogs from Profiles In History for free. And I’m Canadian so it’s catalogue, not catalog, unless I’m referencing the book’s title.
Take the publisher’s blurb with a grain of salt as this is supposed to sell everything listed, but this is an excellent representation of original art. Most pieces are featured full page on the right with an enlargement and description on the left. If the piece is horizontal they present it that way, utilizing the page size to best effect.
These are signed by Joseph Maddalena, president of Profiles In History, and numbered out of 950.
While this is Winiewicz’s Frazetta collection, it also includes art from other artists, along with books and portfolios. The full list of items can be found under Prices Realized, and is the only full list available since there is no table of contents or index. As well a PDF of the catalogue is available for browsing.
Scan quality is excellent. No soft images or visual issues. Gradients are visible in the inked work.
The design is straightforward and engaging thanks to the enlargements throughout. Not a fan of the watermark image that spreads across every two pages. It’s Winiewicz’s personal stories accompanying many pieces that add depth and story.
Production is excellent. A sewn binding of sturdy glossy paper. The book lays flat after smoothing the center. The book came in a cardboard shipping box.
This is no longer available from Profiles In History, and I was unable to find any eBay listings. I did find a Heritage auction from 2018 that went for $242.40 USD. Browse the online PDF and decide if you want this book. I’m happy with the original purchase at $95…
