Automobilist State of the (Fine) Art, Bugatti T35

An ode to a woman's power during times when it was almost unthinkable for a lady to drive a car. Despite facing doubt from her male counterparts who underestimated her physical strength, Eliska relied on her intelligence to map out the entire 108-kilometre course of Targa Florio. Ultimately placing fifth due to engine trouble, the Czechoslovakian driver was able to surpass 25 other world-class male drivers on her way to the finish line. Let us dive into the story behind “The Queen of the Steering Wheel” Fine Art Print!

A century ago, the process that now takes seconds, used to be a task to behold. There was no choreography, no tedious preparations, and no communication during the race. The driver was the car's control unit, monitoring all of its functions, problems and needs. It was up to the driver to decide what should be changed, done or refilled to prepare the car back for the track - and Eliska excelled in just that. She and her car became almost one.

As with all of our Fine Art Prints, 3D models create the fundament of the artwork. Depicting an old school pitstop, the entire scene was recreated using modern technology to create a realistic environment of the Targa Florio race. From the tools to the car, every element of the scene was recreated with precision and care. Even the shadows of the depicted people were casted by 3D modelled figures to enhance the quality of the piece. The more you look at the art, the more details will emerge to be seen.

However, all of the people in the artwork are “real”. Each of the surrounding technicians or bystanders were shot from above using a 6-metre high crane on one of the most advanced cameras available to fit the unique perspective of this Fine Art Print. Dressed in era-appropriate clothing, most people are holding specific tools. These tools, however, were modelled in 3D as well. To ensure the accuracy of the era, the actors held modern tools or objects that were then replaced in post-production. A modern broomstick thus ends up being a 1928 car jack.

“The Queen of the Steering Wheel” Fine Art Print is a masterpiece that captures the essence of a bygone era of racing. Created by a team of skilled artists and designers from Automobilist, the artwork is an accurate portrayal of a particular moment in time, meticulously modelled from scratch with incredible attention to detail.