Not a Bimbo

I never said I was not a sexist, but do not imply that from my use of the term "Bimbo." Although I play loose and fast with the definition, I regard a bimbo, in the fantasy art context, as a female dressed to titillate, often to the detriment of combat efficacy or historical accuracy. I doubt fur or chainmail bikinis and/or stainless steel thongs were ever the rage for Viking warrior women--or that there were ever many Viking warrior women at all. In fact, mythological/historical Amazons* were purported to have amputated the breast on their throwing/shooting side so as not to interfere with javelins and bowstrings; but nerdy fantasy art fans don't read comic books to ogle mastectomy patients. Must be why Xena wields a steel frisbee instead.

Rowena Morrill painted the lady at left dressed for the environment. (We can't even fault the subject for trigger discipline, because there is no trigger guard evident on the fantasy/sci-fi weapon--maybe it doesn't need one.) Rowena draws plenty of busty sorceresses in filmy short dresses, but it's nice to see something done in good taste and a sense of practicality.

Jay.Mac at Cryptic Subterranean points out a great Italian site as a great resource if you're interested in the fantasy art genre. My collection was scarfed from several sites over the course of many years.

*This source is not the most scholarly, but ya gotta love the Barbie props! Check out the links for more serious sources.