Forest

The Forest card, numbered 272, was released in 2015 as part of the Battle for Zendikar set for Magic: The Gathering. This set marked a return to the plane of Zendikar, a world defined by its volatile landscapes and powerful 'lands matter' mechanics, which heavily influenced the aesthetic direction of the basic land cycle. Wizards of the Coast commissioned the piece to capture the theme of a vibrant, primordial wilderness reclaimed by nature, emphasizing the unique 'full-art' treatment that differentiates these lands from standard-art counterparts.

The artwork was created by the illustrator Adam Paquette. Known for his ability to render vast, atmospheric vistas, Paquette aimed to evoke a sense of scale and ancient mystery through sweeping greenery and towering rock formations. Upon its release, the full-art series was exceptionally well-received by the player base, largely because the expanded illustration area allowed for a more immersive and cinematic depiction of the Zendikar environment, making these cards highly sought after for both gameplay and aesthetic appeal.