Gargantua in the Garden

Francois Rabelais (circa 1490 - 1553) and his satirical writings on the illustrious giants, Gargantua and Pantagruel, were the inspiration for this book of prints by Art Hazelwood. Rabelais was a scholar of erudition, a mocker of manners, a defender of appetites, an adherent of wine, and a champion of laughter.

This visual interpretation was inspired by an episode in book I, chapter XXVII. Friar John, a monk of considerable thirst, is outraged by the invading army's destruction of the grape harvest. He grabs the staff of the cross from the altar and attacks the plundering army. The giant Gargantua and his allies join the battle and drive the enemies of wine, wit and wisdom from the vineyard.

This continuous image book is made up of 10 separate prints joined together into one, as well as a cover image, title page and colophon. The entire book when spread out measures 18" x 288" (inches). When closed the book measures 18" x 18" (inches).

The entire book is available for $5500.

Individual prints from the series are available for $500.