STEPHEN FABIAN OBSCURITY

"In every sense of the words, Stephen Fabian is a self-made artist, fashioning himself into a specialist of most pleasing quality with wide appeal to the appreciative of the aesthetic in the art of illustration."

- Writer and historian Sam Moskowitz

For many years, one wouldn't have to look very hard to find an illustration by Stephen Fabian in any fantasy, horror or science fiction book or magazine. During his career, Fabian created an immense body of work that included paintings, prints, portfolios and other media. A self-taught artist, he didn't begin his career until he was age 44. His first semi-professional sale was to Gerald Page's WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY. His first professional sale was a cover for the November 1974 issue of the science-fiction digest GALAXY.

I found this 5-page illustrated prose poem tucked away in FANTASTIC SCIENCE FICTION July 1979. It was co-created by Chip Fabian (his brother? son?) and apparently there was a series of these. To my knowledge, I haven't seen it published anywhere else and it is not listed in The Speculative Fiction Database.

After Fabian's passing on May 6, 2025 at the age of 95, an estate sale was held at his home on 4 Sussex Road, Wayne NJ. Here is an excerpt from the lot listings:

I’d like to invite you to the home of famous, published sci-fi artist and illustrator : Stephen Fabian. Amongst the last few of his original paintings being for sale Stephen has plenty of drawing/painting tools that a professional artist would have. At Mr. Fabian's request we will be auctioning off about 3 original signed paintings, original signed transfer tracings, Stephen's signed desk, signed chair, and lamp, limited signed prints, signed book covers of his published work, and counting...  But that’s just the BEGINNING! 

So much to choose from you are bound to find something that you love. This is not the type of sale where there are thousand dollar pieces staring you in the face. It’s the type of sale where countless hours was spent sorting through the rubble to uncover some beautiful gems. 

• 600-900 books and comics in excellent condition 
• Lots of vintage /antique bric-a-Brac
• Unique vintage furniture pieces 
• Tools 
• Records 
• Books!
• Vintage electronics 
• Some cameras and stereo equipment Electronics
• Pool table 
• Vintage ride on lawnmower (yellow!)
• TONS of sewing and knitting supplies and equipment 
• Glass ware 
• Crystal ware
• DVDs
• VHS
• Tape

Stephen’s wife was a professional seamstress so there is thousands of dollars worth of: yarns, threads, how to books, sewing machine, vintage loom patterns Buttons Material and more.

Stephen Fabian's final five paintings:

R.I.P. STEPHEN FABIAN AND GEORGE BARR

Prince Sirki has taken two more very creative artists in the last months: Stephen Fabian and George Barr. What's a little strange is that I didn't find out about either of these until this week's Bud Plant newsletter. There was no word from any of the news feeds and info outlets that I frequent.

Stephen Fabian passed away on May 6 at the age of 95. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed Fabian's work, His comparison to the legendary pulp illustrator Virgil Finlay is rightly claimed.

George Barr passed earlier this year on April 19 at the age of 88. Among other works, Barr painted countless fantasy and science-fiction book covers, many of which I've managed to purchase and collect over the years.

While they both lived long lives, it's still a blow when you lose two artists of the highest caliber.

A TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN FABIAN

After coming across one of his images recently, it occurred to me that I haven't yet posted anything about one of the great illustrators, Stephen Fabian. Now 92 years-old, Mr. Fabian's immediately recognizable style can be compared to Virgil Finley and Hannes Bok, two of his early influences. Self-taught, his meticulous textured drawings and design elements are a hallmark of his work, along with his imaginative paintings and impeccable female nudes. His work spans across the genres of fantasy, science-fiction, horror, sword and sorcery and even role-playing games. Many of his pieces have depicted scenes from the stories of Robert E. Howard, especially Conan. Several thematic portfolios of his art have been published over the years and I am happy to say that I purchased his Queen of the Black Coast collection from House of Fantasy in 1976.

I am pleased to present these examples of Mr. Fabian's work.