Pop Culture and Fairytale Characters in Classical Flemish Paintings

Sacha Goldberger reimagines famous pop culture icons, superheroes, villains, and children’s literature characters in classical Flemish paintings for his photo series called “Super Flemish.” At first glance, the collection looks like a funny take on the characters we know and love as most of the men are donning ruffles from Chewbacca to R2D2, but a closer look reveals a bit of sadness in each one’s expression. This is exactly the look that Goldberger hoped to achieve in trying to mimic the 17th century technique of classical Flemish paintings using the contrast of light and shadow to express both the power and vulnerability of the life-size personalities. The French photographer spent 5 years collaborating with models who are doppelgangers for the actors from movies such as Superman’s Christopher Reeve to Batman’s Heath Ledger as well as costume makers to design the incredibly detailed Flemish attires.

To view another article on superheroes in deep contemplation, try Superheroes Show Their Vulnerable Side.