Tom Hallman (b. 1954)
A Game of Thrones
acrylic on hardboard
17¹⁄₈ x 12¹⁄₂in. (43.3 x 32cm.)
painted in 1996

The original dust-jacket artwork for the first US edition of George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones.

A Game of Thrones, published in 1996, is a cornerstone of modern epic fantasy, exploring themes of power, politics, family, and the supernatural in a complex medieval-inspired world. One of the most influential fantasy works of the late 20th century, it launched the A Song of Ice and Fire series and spawned a cultural phenomenon with its television adaptation.

The present artwork, centred on a striking visualization of the Iron Throne, was created by Tom Hallman to illustrate the upper panel of the dust-jacket for A Game of Thrones' first US edition as published by Bantam Spectra. Forged from the swords of Aegon the Conqueror's defeated enemies, the throne is a massive and jagged structure, designed to be uncomfortable, and is the iconic seat of power which symbolizes the monarchy of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

The TV series Game of Thrones, which premiered in 2011, brought Martin's world to life with stunning visuals, complex characters, and intricate plotlines. It became a global phenomenon, inspiring countless memes, fan theories, and cultural discussions. The series' impact extended beyond entertainment, influencing fashion, tourism (to filming locations), and even academic discourse on topics ranging from medieval history to gender politics. The vast cultural footprint of Martin’s works has ensured that Hallman's artwork stands as a major visual landmark of modern fantasy literature.

[Sold with:]
Original decorative dust-jacket for: Martin, George R. R. (b.1948). A Game of Thrones. New York: Bantam Books, 1996.