Behind The Art: Sir Perceval

Sir Perceval enters the realm as one of the more notable illustrations by Andrea Modesti for the Arthurian Legends expansion set.  In addition to being one of the new "Sirs" and a Unique rarity, the illustration also features prominently on the beautiful box design and in the company's teaser video release.

Sir Perceval is one of the noble Knights of the Roundtable in the lore of Arthurian Legend.  In some versions of the lore, he is thought to be the son of King Pellinore.  He is most notably known for his involvement in the quest for the Holy Grail.  During his travels Perceval arrives at the castle of the Fisher King who he finds wounded.  At this castle there is a procession in which many marvelous items are seeing carried from one room to another by young men and women - a bleeding lance, candelabra, a silver platter, and a type of dish called a ‘graal’. This dish, or cup, later became known as the Holy Grail  After leaving the "Grail Castle", Perceval is crticized by a maiden for not asking questions about the grail, which would have healed the King.  

Eventually Percival is able to find the Grail Castle again with the help of the wizard Merlin, King Arthur’s advisor. This time he witnesses the procession again and asks about the grail.  The Fisher King is healed and his lands restored from the wasteland conditions that they had been doomed to endure.  Before the Fisher King ascends to the heavens, he appoints Perceval as the new keeper of the Holy Grail.

With this context, the concept evolution for Andrea's portrayal of Sir Perceval finds purpose and meaning rooted in the tales of Arthurian lore.  Here is the story in Andrea's words:

The initial sketch, in which Perceval was a boy who lived almost wildly in a forest and in his mother's mansion, who wanted to keep him safe from the dangerous life of the knights.

Naturally, as in all legends and fairy tales, the thing from which his mother wanted to protect him, the adventurous and dangerous life of knights, awaits him like a destiny, when, hunting in the woods, he sees in admiration some magnificent knights in their armour. This was the first idea that came to me on how to represent Perceval.

Andrea continues:

The second idea was to show Perceval in his "second life" (Perceval was a subject that I adored because he practically has two opposing phases of life, and enormous potential), that is, already a knight of King Arthur, when he finds himself in front of the castle of the Fisher King and the Grail. This image was certainly more evocative of the character (the scene of the young man in the woods probably wouldn't have been a very evocative card) but the character was too static.

But yet as a consummate storyteller, Andrea's work was not complete.  He further matured the concept to really capture the essence in a way that is as artistically profound as Sir Perceval's story...

Finally the last sketch that I show you finds its balance, which will then be that of the final drawing, visible in the photo of the line art.

​The watercolor background for the base is unforgiving: if the light is wrong you have to redo everything!😂It was a job that I loved being able to do, because it is an incredible story, and the honor that Erik gave me by giving so much importance to the final painting filled me with gratitude.I hope this little story of an art process is interesting for you.

A truly inspirational piece by Andrea; rich with meaning and flavorful context fitting for a storied knight of King Arthur's Roundtable!

My sincere thanks to Mr. Modesti for his insights, images used in this article, and the inspiring illustrations he has contributed to this game!

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