Return of the Conquering Hero
$415.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
A hush of wonder settles across this scene the moment you look: an old, kindly guardian angel bends close to a tiny child swaddled in a glowing basket while a younger attendant reads from a book of names. The composition feels like a private handoff—soft golden light pools around the figures, warming the pale blues of the celestial background and making the clockwork gears and stars behind them feel both grand and gently reassuring. Small details—an antique lantern, a sprig of greenery, the stork-like birds waiting beyond the arch—add a storybook charm that is both whimsical and tender. The painting’s rich, luminous color and careful highlights give the scene a dreamy, hopeful mood, perfectly suited to the idea of new life and loving responsibility. It’s the sort of image that quietly celebrates beginnings and the small rituals we imagine surround them.
The Artwork
About The Journey Begins Limited Edition Print
THE JOURNEY BEGINS, LIMITED EDITION PRINT
As Scott tells us, Beneath the great Celestial Clock, babies headed for earth are assigned to their trusty guides. An old angel double checks all the coordinates—the position of the planets, relationship of the sun, moon and stars—scheduling the delivery with little regard for the readiness or unreadiness of the parents-to-be. Finally, blessed by a spark from the flame of hope, the babies are off, destined to forever alter time and the universe for their earthly recipients. We’re sure you’ll agree, this marvelous image makes the perfect gift for new parents or grandparents! Published from the artist’s original oil painting. Accompanied by a titlecard for your personalization.
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
Product-specific details, edition information, provenance, and special considerations are shown here when applicable.
About the Collection
Blending storybook fantasy art with classic fairy tale illustration, these whimsical and richly detailed paintings bring beloved characters and mythological scenes to life with vibrant colors and masterful brushwork. Featuring enchanting storytelling and traditional realism, each piece captures the timeless magic of nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and folklore through meticulously crafted compositions. With a focus on luminous, painterly techniques and expressive character details, these works create a sense of wonder and nostalgia, perfect for collectors of imaginative and romanticized fantasy art. Whether depicting storybook adventures or elegant mythological figures, these paintings transport viewers into a world of charm, magic, and timeless artistic craftsmanship.
Artist Signature
Signed by the artist
This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by Scott Gustafson.
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
Buy with confidence
Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
"Storytelling through pictures has always held a certain fascination for Scott
Gustafson; be they the moving images in animated cartoons, or the epic
illustrations of N. C. Wyeth. Upon entering the Chicago Academy of Fine Art,
Scott was 99% sure that he wanted to become an animator, but it was that 1%
that ultimately drew him more and more into the world of stretched canvas and
oil paint. ""As an animator, ""Gustafson says, ""your contribution to a given
film is, by necessity, limited to whatever character you've been assigned. But
as an illustrator, you're responsible for locations, sets, costumes, props,
lighting and character designs, not to mention the overall mood and emotion of
a given painting. It's about the best job there is.""
Over the nearly twenty-five years that span his career, he has had the
opportunity to fulfill commissions for a number of varied clients and
publishers such as Celestial Seasonings, Playboy magazine, Saturday Evening
Post, The Bradford Exchange, DreamWorks and The Greenwich Workshop. His
illustrated books include The Night Before Christmas, Peter Pan, Nutcracker,
as well as two original titles, Animal Orchestra and Alphabet Soup. His newest
release, Classic Fairy Tales, was recently awarded a Chesley award for best
interior book illustrations from the Association of Science Fiction and
Fantasy Artists and is currently in its third printing.
"
Personal Gallery Assistance
Questions before adding this piece to your collection?
We are happy to help with availability, shipping, edition details, or purchasing questions.