Have you ever wondered what the Hulk would look like wearing an Elizabethan ruff? Of course you have (if only to see him throw it off in rage.) A new art exhibition by French photographer Sacha Goldberger reimagines comic-book heroes and villains as subjects in paintings by Old Masters. The fantastically-named Super Flemish is the answer to your prayers (if your prayers include “Please let me see what a 16th century Superman would look like.”) The photos of Batman, Catwoman, the Joker et al will allow you to see comic-book characters in a whole new light. Coming from the left, probably. (See what I did there?)
In Goldberger’s words, the portraits are a way “to confront these icons of American culture with contemporary painters of the Flemish school. The collection demonstrates the use of 17 century techniques counterpointing light and shadow to illustrate nobility and fragility of the super powerful of all times. It also invites you to celebrate the heroes of your childhood. These characters have become icons to reveal their humanity: tired of having to save the world without respite, promised to a destiny of endless immortality, forever trapped in their character. The superheroes often live their lives cloaked in anonymity. These portraits give them a chance to fix their narcissism denied.”
