While doing my readings on the wilderness, I came across a reference to a series of paintings done by the American artist
Thomas Cole. This series, entitled "
Course of Empire," depicts the rise and fall of an imaginary city over the course of five paintings, each showing the city at a different stage in its development. The city is merely a symbol of civilization on the whole, and Cole's series reflects popular American opinon at the time of its creation (1833-1836).
The series had a sizeable impact on my decision to swap campaign worlds. Not only are they wonderful pieces of art, but they inspire me to explore that very same topic of the rise and demise of culture.
The Savage State 
The Arcadian or Pastoral State
The Consummation of Empire
The Destruction of Empire
Desolation
10 comments:
Wonderful post! I'm impressed with the range of sources you can draw inspiration from.
Really, really great (this and the last post).
I'm slowly opening up to art as inspiration myself (having realized my main weakness as DM is in description). Any suggestions?
Can I recommend The Spectrum annual of fantastic art? Awesome collection of genre art.
http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/
http://tinyurl.com/ychromc
(and not just because I'm in it!)
Check out the etchings of Giovanni Piranesi. I don't think any gamer can view them and not walk away inspired.
Thank you.
Nice to be reminded of the great sources of campaign inspiration.
The next question, is what is musuic and art like within the campaign, and what music ispires you...
Beautiful, especially the last one.
Very cool!
And image number five is where you see a little party of adventurers tethering their mules, lighting their torches, and getting ready to see what silverware got left behind.
If that doesn't fire the imagination, and ignite ideas for world-building, then I don't know what will.
Fantastic find!
@Michael: You're absolutely right. Piranesi is brilliant. Thank you.
@Eric: You're not bad yerself!
wow, this is fantastic!
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