Arnaldo Putzu, gouache and watercolour on board "The Message"

The Message
Original UK quad poster artwork by Arnaldo Putzu
Medium: Gouache and watercolour on board, unlettered, sello tape mark remains to outer areas
Size: 80 x 108cm 

The Message: A Visual Symphony of Faith and Conflict

This vibrant and evocative artwork, seemingly a concept piece for the film "The Message," immerses the viewer in a dynamic scene of historical and religious significance. A powerful hand, adorned with intricate details, grips a colossal white flag emblazoned with the Islamic declaration of faith, "La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah" which translates to "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is his messenger." The flag billows majestically against a backdrop of swirling, fiery hues, symbolizing both the passion and intensity of the moment.

Below, a vast army of horsemen, clad in traditional attire, charges forward, their faces etched with determination and fervour. The scene suggests a battle or conquest, perhaps a pivotal moment in Islamic history. The artist's use of bold lines and contrasting colours creates a sense of movement and urgency, capturing the energy and chaos of the conflict.

In the foreground, a fortress or city wall stands defiant, a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. The composition is balanced by the tension between the upward thrust of the flag and the downward pull of the charging army, suggesting a struggle between faith, power, and the complexities of human nature.

This artwork is more than just a depiction of a historical event; it is a visual exploration of the interplay between religion, politics, and the human condition. The artist's masterful use of simple sandy colour, composition, and symbolism invites the viewer to contemplate the enduring power of faith, the sacrifices made in the name of belief, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

About the artist:

Arnaldo Putzu (1927 -2012, Italian) was one of the most distinctive illustrators of his generation, painting film posters – from Italian realist cinema to the Carry On series – and book and magazine covers. While his long career started and finished in Italy, his work in Britain encapsulated the whole look of popular illustration in the 1960s and 70s.

About the movie:The Message (Arabic: الرسالة‎ Ar-Risālah; originally known as Mohammad, Messenger of God) is a 1976 epic historical drama film directed and produced by Moustapha Akkad, chronicling the life and times of the Islamic prophet Muhammad through the perspective of his uncle Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib and adopted son Zayd ibn Harithah.

Released in both separately-filmed Arabic and English-language versions, The Message serves as an introduction to early Islamic history. The international ensemble cast includes Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, Michael Ansara, Johnny Sekka, Michael Forest, André Morell, Garrick Hagon, Damien Thomas, and Martin Benson. It was an international co-production between Lebanon, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.

The film was nominated for Best Original Score in the 50th Academy Awards, composed by Maurice Jarre, but lost the award to Star Wars (composed by John Williams).