The Queen of Romance Illustrations
Early Life and Family
Hailing from Queens, New York, Elaine Duillo was the undisputed “Queen of Romance Covers.”
Born in 1928, Duillo was also the matriarch of a talented family of artists. She was married to noted pulp artist John Duillo.
Her daughter Melissa Duillo-Gallo also created romance covers that were influenced by Elaine’s style.
Like Harry Bennett and Robert McGinnis, she had her start in pulp fiction before moving on to Gothics and romance. She was a giant in the competitive field of pulp artwork, where women were few and far between.
Duillo painted hundreds of book covers. She was an inductee of the prestigious Illustrators Hall of Fame.
Elaine, the Artist
Elaine Duillo was an amazing artist who influenced generations of illustrators. She revolutionized romance cover art. Duillo also helped give rise to the pop culture phenom Fabio.
Although she created many gorgeous stepbacks–“tip-ins,” as those in the industry called them–Duillo was not a fan. She believed the eye-catching covers she designed were meant to be seen, not hidden away. Yes, to that! I say. Display those gorgeous illustrations displayed proudly!
Back in the day, an Elaine cover guaranteed you were reading a juicy bodice ripper. One only has to look at the step-back cover of Brenda Joyce’s The Conqueror.
Here, the red-haired heroine kneels at Fabio’s feet, clasping his thighs, while a two-headed flail hangs from his belt as he grips his long sword. The scene is crowned to perfection with a stallion rearing in the background. This painting shows Duillo’s cheeky nature on full display.
Duillo had a great rapport with the models who posed for the photographs she would then transform into acrylic-based paintings. She was also often close friends with the author, such as the late Bertrice Small and Janelle Taylor.
The Queen of Romance Cover’s Legacy
Duillo understood and appreciated the nature of the campy, pulpy books her artwork graced, and it shows she had a blast working on them.
Her paintings graced the covers of so many romance icons: Johanna Lindsey, Bertrice Small, Rebecca Brandewyne, Valerie Sherwood, Shirlee Busbee, Jennifer Wilde, Janelle Taylor, and many more.
Elaine Duillo passed away on July 30, 2021, at the age of 93.
Elaine Duillo Covers
Links
- Elaine Duillo at Society of Illustrators
- My Elaine Duillo Pinterest
- Elaine Duillo at Goodreads.com
- The Swoon Society Talks About Elaine Duillo
I just started a deep dive into romance novel covers..as I am one of the female models on hundreds of books throughout the 90’s.. the illustrators were always on set directing the photographer but I never met the talented authors. The photographer’s , artists, models and bookers created beautiful pieces of art. I wish I started looking for my collection of book covers years ago, and my hope is to say thank you to the authors for such an amazing experience.
With love,
Emma