Over the course of two months, the original art elements for Jason Engle’s Theran Showcase Starchart were sold via auction on the MTG Art Market on Facebook. The first auction began on December 15, 2019 with Daxos, Blessed by the Sun and the final sale ended with Heliod, Sun-Crowned on February 7, 2020. The auctions were run entirely by Mark Aronowitz acting as agent for the artist, and alternated between a demigod and a God with each offering. The combined series sold for almost $40,000 across many auctions.
For each demigod, there was a tonal sketch done in colored pencil, powdered graphite, charcoal and white ink on acid free, 100% recycled, Strathmore grey toned paper. Each measured 11 inches by 14 inches and was matted to 16 inches x 20 inches. In addition, for most there was a preliminary pencil sketch and then an unused sketch, those being pencil on Strathmore marker paper measuring 9 inches by 12 inches and matted to 11 inches by 14 inches. Each final work was completed digitally.
For each God, there was a color preliminary painting of gouache, acrylic, and colored pencil on black multimedia paper measuring 11 inches by x 14 inches and matted to 16 inches x 20 inches. Similarly there was also a pencil sketch and then at least one unused sketch, with those being pencil on Strathmore marker paper measuring 9 inches by 12 inches and matted to 11 inches by 14 inches. Each final work was again completed digitally.
Let’s go through each collection of work, traversing the stars of this incredible lineup:
Daxos, Blessed by the Sun
The first auction was for the demigod Daxos, Blessed by the Sun. The tonal sketch sold for $1,400, the preliminary pencil for $327, and the unused sketch for $200.
Erebos, Bleak-Hearted
Next was the first God to be sold, Erebos, Bleak-Hearted. The preliminary painting would finish as the top lot of the entire group at $4,500, and the sketches would also be the highest achievers at $1,000 for the used piece and $700 for the unused version.
Callaphe, Beloved of the Sea
In keepeing with the cadence a demigod followed, and it was Callaphe, Beloved of the Sea whose tonal sketch sold for $1,650. Her preliminary sketch realized $300 and the unused sketch $225.
Thassa, Deep-Dwelling
In fitting order next came the blue God known as Thassa, Deep-Dwelling. Her preliminary painting sold for $3,500, preliminary sketch for $550, and unused sketch $300.
Anax, Hardened in the Forge
Anax, Hardened in the Forge was the next to reach the block, where his tonal sketch hammered off at $1,375; and his prelim sketch and unused sketch at $300 and $200 respectively. The unused sketch did not receive a bid during the auction period, but was sold minutes following the close to a late bidder.
Nylea, Keen-Eyed
This would cause no hiccup, as Nylea, Keen-Eyed shot to the second highest price of the group at an ending price of $4,100. Her sketches would also end above average at $800 for the preliminary sketch and the unused sketch at $500.
Tymaret, Chosen from Death
Following Nylea was Tymaret, Chosen from Death, the lowest ending final work of this group when his tonal sketch sold $700—which is still a very good price. Both his preliminary and unused pencil sketches did not receive their opening bids of $300 and $200 during the auction period, but were sold shortly after for their opening bid prices.
Purphoros, Bronze-Blooded
Purphoros, Bronze-Blooded got the auctions back on track, and this time there was an extra pencil piece available as well. His preliminary painting sold for $3,000, his preliminary pencil for $300 and the unused pencil sketch for $200. There was also a concept work, completed by Engle as the first piece in the series to work out some of the design details, which sold for $450. (I was the under-bidder—read: first loser—on the concept sketch.)
Renata, Called to the Hunt
Following Purphoros was Renata, Called to the Hunt, and she would claim the top demigod price realized, as her tonal sketch sold for $1,800. Selling alongside this gorgeous pencil work, the preliminary sketch sold for $325 and the unused rendition bested the other at $450.
Klothys, God of Destiny
Into the homestretch, the penultimate auction was for the new God Klothys, God of Destiny making her debut in this set. The preliminary painting sold for $4,000, and the three associated sketches sold for $400 (preliminary) $200 (unused A) and $200 (unused B) respectively.
Heliod, Sun-Crowned
The final group of work from this exceptional collection was Heliod, Sun-Crowned. The preliminary painting sold for $4,000, the preliminary sketch realized $875, and the unused sketch $350.
When all the stardust settled, the total price realized was $39,677, and every piece offered was sold. Many of these works were bought privately, and most of their whereabouts are now unknown within private collections.
This was an unprecedented commission and an equally unprecedented opportunity for original Magic art collectors; they rose to make this one of the most exciting newly releases the community had seen in some time.
Oddly enough, on the final day of the Heliod auction, Jason Engle’s second contribution to Theros: Beyond Death in the form of MTG Secret Lair’s Theros Stargazing was officially previewed. The auctions for those works, another thirty pieces (!!) including a color preliminary and prelim pencil sketch for each of the original Theros Gods, began immediately.
We’ll be following those auctions closely as well, stay tuned for in the coming months as the story unfolds.