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Master of Puppets Art

The cover art for 1986's Master of Puppets was conceptualized by Metallica with manager Peter Mensch. James Hetfield sketched the nightmarish visuals, and the design was sent to artist Don Brautigam who painted the piece in December 1985. Brautigam's initials are in the lower right-hand corner.

IMAGES:

Early draft of the cover art for Master of Puppets by Don Brautigam. Note the feminine hands holding tighter strings, the different placement of the helmet, and a slightly different color scheme. From the Collection of Lars Ulrich

Handwritten notes from Lars Ulrich to the artist Don Brautigam requesting changes to the original cover art for Master of Puppets. This set of notes puts to rest an old question about Brautigam's final design of the puppeteer's hands - they are not missing fingernails but rather wearing gloves. From the Collection of Lars Ulrich

Photocopy of an early mock-up for the Master of Puppets cover art featuring an unused draft by artist Don Brautigam. From the Collection of Lars Ulrich

Photocopy of a mock-up for the Master of Puppets back cover design. This version features different photos and text than the final design. From the Collection of Lars Ulrich