The Legend of Zelda fan art has been around almost as long as the series has — three decades. Artist Ástor Alexander, however, has taken that art to a much higher and far classier level. This Deviant Art user turned the famous in-game personalities into fine art inspired by 17th century paintings.

There’s Midna, Zelda, Link and more featured in the absolutely stunning pieces. The one below is called “The Beast and the Princess” and is reminiscent of Greek mythology. You know, where beasts and pretty ladies tended to get it on? What the heck was happening back then? Swans and ladies, bulls and ladies–the ancient Greeks had some stuff to work through.

This one is called “Usurper,” and shows Ganon, Zant and Midna in what is clearly a plot of some sort. And you thought cell-shaded Zelda was cool.

The next one shows us Link as the “Hero of Time,” holding the head of the villain Gannondorf’s head with his hand on his sword. That cap of his finally seems appropriate, doesn’t it? Totally works for the Renaissance feel of the pic as opposed to looking like a sleeping cap on a funny little elf.

Here’s a link to some of the closeups of the “Hero of Time” piece, though the artist states that downloading it will give you the best view. He’s also has some really cool work based on early sci-fi pulp novels. It’s definitely worth taking a look at.

So, what do you think of the art? Tweet me/us @JennaBusch/@Nerdist and let us know your thoughts. Is there another game you’d like to see get this treatment? Oh, please say Pokémon!

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HT: Deviant Art, Kotaku

Image credit: Deviant Art