The portray that launched “Star Wars” to the world practically 50 years in the past — and was reproduced in an iconic film poster — offered at public sale on Wednesday for $3.875 million.
The acrylic and airbrush portray by the artist and film poster designer Tom Jung first appeared in newspaper ads on Might 13, 1977, rather less than two weeks earlier than the house epic created by George Lucas opened. It additionally adorned billboards, journal advertisements and theater packages.
“For most of America, this was the first time they got a glimpse of the galaxy far, far away,” mentioned Charles Epting, the director of popular culture and historic consignments at Heritage Auctions.
“Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz stored the unique portray and hung it on his workplace wall earlier than passing it all the way down to his daughter. The Kurtz household later put the work up on the market on the Dallas headquarters of Heritage Auctions, the place bidding began at $1 million.
The sale set information for highest promoting piece of memorabilia from the movie franchise, and usually, for any film poster art work, Epting mentioned. The client, whose successful bid got here in via the web site, has chosen to maintain his identification non-public.
Previous to this, the very best value for franchise memorabilia was Darth Vader’s lightsaber which offered at public sale for $3.6 million.
“Star Wars” is without doubt one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time since its 1977 debut, starring Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker. The unique was adopted by sequels and prequels, and spawned offshoot books, films and different sequence. Its followers span the globe.
One facet of the portray reveals Skywalker holding up a lightsaber behind Princess Leia. Darth Vader looms over them within the background. On the opposite, a staff of X-wing starfighters is launching an assault. Han Solo and Skywalker are depicted receiving medals.
Within the decrease proper hand nook are R2-D2 and C-3PO, which had been added on the final minute, Epting mentioned. The droids are absent from the early reproductions of the portray and later appeared when the film poster and the billboard had been produced. The precise date of the latter is unknown but it surely was round June or July 1977, Epting mentioned.
“You can watch the evolution of this piece and how they were figuring out what was important to include, what are we going to represent, what’s going to draw people in,” Epting mentioned.
The portray isn’t just movie memorabilia however can also be a cultural artifact and a part of American historical past, Epting mentioned. The emotional connection that folks kind with “Star Wars” films additionally helps clarify the gross sales value, he mentioned.
“Anyone who’s seen these movies or the marketing materials around it — you see this piece, your heart starts racing,” Epting mentioned.
