It's from the Hildebrandt brothers, who did artwork for a couple of Tolkien-themed calenders back in the 70s. They bring a very distinct and somewhat whimsy style to represent Middle-earth. It's a representation that got lost to our collective memory by the later popularity of (likewise beautiful, but more stern and serious) Alan Lee and the Jackson movies.
Yes, I recognised the style from back in the day. It was very popular at the time, but it all looks like the cover of a Heart album to me now. I've always much preferred the ethereal and spiritual Alan Lee work to the rather gross Hildebrands - and their love of Farrah Fawcett as a model. But this little cottage caught my attention.
I love the first image you used. It doesn't look so much like Rivendell to me, but the Cottage of Lost Play.
It's from the Hildebrandt brothers, who did artwork for a couple of Tolkien-themed calenders back in the 70s. They bring a very distinct and somewhat whimsy style to represent Middle-earth. It's a representation that got lost to our collective memory by the later popularity of (likewise beautiful, but more stern and serious) Alan Lee and the Jackson movies.
You can find scans from the Tolkien calendars here: https://web.archive.org/web/20110429171452/http://www.timefold.com/snapsite/hildebros/public/html/home.html
Yes, I recognised the style from back in the day. It was very popular at the time, but it all looks like the cover of a Heart album to me now. I've always much preferred the ethereal and spiritual Alan Lee work to the rather gross Hildebrands - and their love of Farrah Fawcett as a model. But this little cottage caught my attention.
resounds with truth!