Fantasy art is imaginative fiction dependent for effect on strangeness of setting (such as other worlds or times) and of characters (such as supernatural or unnatural beings). Science fiction can be seen as a form of fantasy, but the terms are not interchangeable, as science fiction usually is set in the future and is based on some aspect of science or technology while fantasy is set in an imaginary world and features the magic of mythical beings.

The history of fantasy art goes back to cave drawings of unreal creatures, Gods and mythical beings. One of the earliest modern fantasy artists however was Hieronymous Bosch. Bosch created weird images and painted religious and hellish scenes. In the 1800s, fantasy literature began gaining popularity. Fantasy art was often based on descriptions in literature, and this trend continues today. In the 20th century, technology began to stir the imaginations of writers and artists. Science-fiction writers pushed the possibilities of technology beyond reality. At the same time that science fiction was gaining ground, there was a movement back to medieval legends. Books like Lord of the Rings inspired a generation of fantasy artists who illustrated for literature.