The original artist is Clyde Caldwell. It obviously was used as the cover art on the original AD&D Ravenloft 1983 adventure by Tracy and Laura Hickman. Castlevania II Simon's Quest came out for Nintendo in 1988.
When it was actually painted I am not sure. Also I am unsure if the artist would hold the rights to this image or if TSR Inc. (and Later TSR Hobbies Inc. and ultimately Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro) would hold the copyright? I can't believe nothing would have been done by the artist involved legally. Especially with big companies like TSR Inc. and Nintendo/Konami and lots of lawyers. You don't suppose that this art was actually approved and resold somehow? Anyone know more info on this? I wonder who painted this obvious "homage" to our famous vampire?
It appears something might have been done legally...the 1990 European release of the Castlevania II cartridge had a blank background
