Spotify - The Count of Monte Cristo

The cover for Spotify's audiobook of The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

The research I did for this piece. THE RESEARCH!

When Spotify asked if I could do the cover for their audiobook, the initial concept was something swashbuckle-y. Classic Count of Monte Cristo. I've seen and enjoyed several of the movie adaptations over the years, so it came as a surprise when I actually got to the book and learned that all the action is basically implied backstory. No spoilers, but it's more of a psychological thriller. I did put together some comps of the young, "Sinbad the Sailor" Dantes, swingin' on the high seas (implied backstory!), but also did an extra layout of what to me was the most drama-thick moment of the novel. The garden conversation. No spoilers. I've seen quite a few Monte Cristo covers that feature the count, but not too many that explore a scene.

As for the research, it was mostly about French fashion in the 19th Century. Because Napoleon's exile is integral to the story, it's easy to figure out roughly when all the events would have taken place. Even the gun is meant to look like it was designed by Nicholas Boutet, who was the gunsmith for Versailles and made custom weapons for French royalty and generals. I got a little too excited with the details.