Artist David Sondered has apologized for using allegedly stolen artwork in the background of a card in Magic: The Gathering’s Lost Caverns of Ixalan set. Fellow MTG illustrator Lorenzo Lanfranconi accused Sondered of plagiarizing the background of Lanfranconi’s work in the recent printing of Wayfarer’s Bauble. Lanfranconi brought the alleged theft to light on November 18th, posting a comparison of the two images and tagging MTG’s publisher, Wizards of the Coast. The card in question’s background bears striking similarities to Lanfranconi’s original art. Sondered published an apology, admitting that he used Lanfranconi’s art as a reference and did not do a good job of making it unique. Sondered apparently contacted both Lanfranconi and Wizards of the Coast, and Lanfranconi chose not to pursue any action. Wizards of the Coast has not yet made any announcement regarding Sondered’s actions. This is not the first time MTG has faced controversy over stolen art, as a similar incident occurred in 2021. Both Sondered and Lanfranconi are relatively new to MTG’s stable of artists, with Sondered known for his work in the Warhammer 40,000 and Doctor Who Universes Beyond Commander decks, and Lanfranconi specializing in landscapes and vistas.
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MTG artist apologises after allegedly stealing artwork for Lost Caverns of Ixalan card
