‘Game of Thrones’ Art Is Gory But Beautiful

Portfolio of bloody artworks hypes the return of HBO's fantasy series.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Spring may have finally arrived here in New York, but winter is coming to HBO, where the fourth season of the hit series Game of Thrones premieres Sunday, April 6. In the lead-up to the show’s widely anticipated return, the network has teamed up with studio 360i and artist Robert M. Ball on a series of artworks that commemorate the show’s many gruesome deaths.

There is one illustration for each of the previous 30 episodes, each inspired by how a character met his or her death and accompanied by a memorable quote. They have been unveiled day by day over the last month, with just one more to be revealed before the show comes back on the air. 

This is not the first artwork inspired by the series that has popped up as the premiere date has approached. At Seattle’s Ltd. Art Gallerythe series’ author, George R.R. Martin, gave his blessing to a Game of Thrones fan art exhibit dubbed “Winter Is Coming” that closed last month. In February, artnet News reported on 3-D sidewalk art in London created by 3D Joe and Max. The hyper-realistic drawing shows Wildings scaling the Wall, a giant ice structure built to protect the series’ seven kingdoms. Real-life pedestrians approaching from the right angle appeared to be near the edge of a dangerous precipice.

Even if you’re not a fan of the show already, the Beautiful Death drawings are quite stunning, and largely spoiler-free. Take a look at a few of artnet News’s favorite images from the series:

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.

Robert M. Ball. Beautiful Death, inspired by Game of Thrones. Courtesy: 360i.


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