Virgil Finlay was inspired and influenced by artists like Hieronymous Bosch, Rembrandt, Picasso, Gustave Doré and Norman Lindsay.
Virgil Finlay used photographs of real people as an inspiration for illustrations, or simply as an opportunity for a portrait. As stated by Sam Moskowitz in 'Virgil Finlay An Appreciation', Virgil Finlay could not afford models for figure or life painting. Often he would draw and sketch using photo's and magazine prints.
Below, some examples of illustrations are collected for which the source has been identified.
Actors and actrices
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Sophia Loren |
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Leonard Nimoy as Spock |
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Ingrid Bergman |
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Cary Grant |
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Charles Macklin |
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Raymond Massey |
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Gregory Peck |
Scientists
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Leonardo da Vinci |
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Albert Einstein |
Models
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Bettie Page |
Authors
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William Shakespeare |
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H.P. Lovecraft |
Musicians
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Alexander Tcherepnin |