My sister introduced me to this artist several years ago, and my recently acquired interest in architecture reminded me of his work. Achilles Rizzoli is an excellent example of what the human mind can accomplish when creativity and imagination are given ample time. Although the most of his body of work was drafted between 1935 and 1944, Rizzoli went undiscovered until 1990!

Achilles worked as an architect for a firm in San Francisco where he was a sufficient, but otherwise normal draftsman. However, his own architectural work was far more than just sufficient, it was magnificent. He would, during his free time, construct an elaborate fantasy world of exquisite buildings. Many being architectural caricatures of his friends and family.

Rizzoli would occasionally make the front room of his home into museum called the “Achilles Techtonic Exhibit”. Visitors that gave compliments or befriended Achilles would often return to find that they too had been depicted as a mansion or castle.

I particularly like the building at left. Notice the how symetrical it appears overall, but up close (click for a larger version) it isn’t at all. And, in addition to the building itself, all the intricate notes and excellent typography really pull it together.

I’ve ordered a collection of his work called “A. G. Rizzoli: Architect of Magnificent Visions” and should receive it soon. I’ll post some pictures when it gets here.

1. 1. stephanie lee Jul 25, 2008 1:41 AM

   youre better at things than me! lovely pictures - will you draw me a picture of a mansion in heaven?!

2. 2. jimmy jimmy Jul 25, 2008 10:24 AM

   “Rizzoli would occasionally make the front room of his home into museum called the ‘Achilles Techtonic Exhibit.’”

   Something like this is all I really want in life. It’s the best.
   

   Best post yet?