Gris Grimly (American, b. 1975) Pinocchio, circa 2002 Gouache on board 9-1/4 x 12-1/4 inches (23.5 x 31.1 cm) (image) Not signed In a surreal and emotional moment from the classic tale, Pinocchio is seen here entering the darkened hall of Stromboli's puppet theater. Reimagined by Gris Grimley in 2002 for an illustrated edition of Pinocchio published by Tor Classics, Grimley's eerily gothic take on the classic character provided the inspiration for Guillermo del Toro's 2022 stop-motion film adaptation. Del Toro has described Grimly's work as rough and elemental, and it was Grimley's take on the character that helped unlock the existential themes the film would explore. Initially, in fact, del Toro and Grimly approached Pinocchio as a film that Grimly would direct. It took nearly 20 years from when the pair began collaborating to get this new take on the classic story made, but Grimly's visuals remained its core. This rare Pinocchio illustration by Gris Grimly is a significant work from the artist, and its a beautiful and important example from the storied development of a modern day classic. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved