Ian Miller’s Masterpiece: The Legendary Konard Illustration
Ian Miller’s ‘Tight Pen Style’
This illustration is a quintessential example of Ian Miller’s early work, showcasing his self-described ‘Tight Pen Style.’ Known for his precision and meticulous detail, Miller’s mastery with black ink and Rotring Isograph Technical pens creates a visual symphony of intricacy. His technique, involving washes over artboard, adds depth and intensity to the composition, elevating it to a work of breathtaking brilliance. The limited color palette enhances the stark, haunting atmosphere of the piece, highlighting Miller’s ability to evoke emotion and tension through his art.
The Legendary Konard Cover
Commissioned for the cover of Konard, one of the earliest novels in the Warhammer universe, this artwork stands as a testament to the genesis of Warhammer’s visual identity. Published by Games Workshop Books long before the advent of Black Library, the piece is legendary among collectors. The illustration depicts Konrad, the protagonist, ensnared in the clutches of bronze Chaos armor. The cursed armor enslaves him, compelling acts of slaughter while tethering him to a monstrous, otherworldly steed. Miller’s intricate linework and masterful shadows amplify the sense of torment and doom surrounding Konrad’s plight.
The Story Behind the Art
In the novel, Konrad is a tragic figure, roaming the Empire’s borderlands under the control of the cursed armor. The malevolent power within it drives him to kill relentlessly, feeding on the blood of his victims while consuming his very soul. His journey is one of despair, until a pivotal moment when a powerful wizard intervenes. In a gripping act of salvation, the wizard shatters the curse, freeing Konrad from the armor’s grip and granting him a chance at redemption. Miller’s artwork encapsulates this dark narrative, bringing the torment and horror of Konrad’s tale to life.
A Treasure of Warhammer’s Early Visual History
For collectors and fans of Ian Miller’s work, the survival of the Konard illustration is a thrilling discovery. It is one of only six pieces Miller created for book or box covers, each a vital part of Warhammer’s visual evolution. Tragically, some of these works, including the cover for Siege and Halls of Horror, have been lost or destroyed. The enduring presence of Konard ensures that a piece of Miller’s dark and detailed vision remains, preserving a cornerstone of Warhammer’s early artistic legacy and inspiring new generations of fans and creators.
