Many people seem familiar with Lord of the Rings via the Jackson movies, but there's a much longer tradition of artists depicting scenes from the books. Plus of course, two TV / movie series that bring some great voicework & songs (Rankin-Bass' version) and fascinating animation (Ralph Bakshi's), despite their overall flaws.
But in terms of alternate illustrators, check out the Brothers Hildebrandt, for example.
Personally, I'm enjoying this Argentinian master's version because the characters are no longer as wholesome-looking as in other depictions, giving the scene slight horror overtones. The ammonite is a nice bonus, too!
Some more Chichoni art here:
https://lemm.ee/post/27712402
I was just thinking that Sean Astin did a lovely job with Sam, but then I had the thought that pretty much *everyone* in the Fellowship was really strong. Some of the secondary actors maybe not so much, but then... not such a big deal since they're secondary roles.
"It still only counts as one!" Oh, and the dwarf-tossing thing.
So you think Gimli was portrayed a little farcically? I guess he did seem a little 'caricature-ish' at times, and maybe not as grim and deadly as he should have been as a great dwarf warrior. OTOH I think everything I've ever seen John Rhys-Davies in has been a little tongue-in-cheek, not unlike Brian Blessed.