Bidding for this lot will end on Friday, March 27th. The auction will begin at 2:00 PM (PDT) / 5:00 PM (EDT) / 9:00 PM (GMT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Wednesday, March 25th or Thursday, March 26th.
A spectacular panoramic limited edition sericel titled Happy Hour at Moe's Tavern, officially produced and released by 20th Century Fox in 1999. This vibrant piece celebrates Springfield's most infamous watering hole, where "the Duff is always flowing", and features over twenty of the town's most recognisable residents in one extraordinary scene.
Originally drawn and composed by Simpsons Animator Brad Ableson, Homer Simpson swings from the bar lights, clutching a six-pack of Duff, surrounded by Moe Szyslak, Lenny, Carl, Barney, and Chief Wiggum, while Duffman, Krusty, and Miss Duff bring the party energy to the foreground. Supporting favorites and rarely seen characters, such as Fat Tony, Professor Frink, Principal Skinner, Comic Book Guy, and Otto, complete the lineup, each rendered in perfect studio color.
Happy Hour was the fourth limited-edition sericel officially created for The Simpsons fine art programme and one of the most ambitious in scope, printed in 47 spectacular colors and released in a limited edition of only 2000 worldwide. Each cel was screen-printed on acetate using the traditional serigraphy process, then paired with a lithographic background printed on acid-free paper. The result captures the depth, richness, and visual texture of a full production cel setup in an edition accessible to collectors.
Editions like this were developed to offer fans the opportunity to own authentic studio artwork from scenes that existed only once in production. Since the original hand-painted cels were unique and photographed for the final broadcast, sericels were created as officially licensed recreations, overseen by studio artists to ensure accuracy and fidelity to the source material.
This example bears the 20th Century Fox gold seal of authenticity and includes an autograph from Nancy Cartwright, the Emmy-winning voice of Bart Simpson. Long sold out and highly sought after, Happy Hour at Moe's Tavern remains one of the most impressive Simpsons sericels ever produced, combining scale, humour, and ensemble characterisation into a single, richly detailed composition.
A dynamic and celebratory artwork that perfectly captures the spirit of The Simpsons, this edition stands as a quintessential piece of Springfield history. Dimensions (mounted): 41 cm x 99 cm (16" x 39")
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: $300 - 600