Hand-Painted Cloud City Matte Concept Art by Ralph McQuarrie | STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)

Sold Stock #134318 | Sold Aug 4 2021

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)

Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction - Los Angeles - 2021

Hand-Painted Cloud City Matte Concept Art by Ralph McQuarrie

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This lot will be auctioned on Tuesday, June 29th. The auction will begin at 9:00am PDT 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 June 30th or July 1st.

A hand-painted and framed Cloud City matte concept art by Ralph McQuarrie for Irvin Kershner's Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. McQuarrie, best known for his Star Wars designs, also contributed matte paintings to the original film and its sequel. This is one of several study paintings for full-size mattes that McQuarrie created by painting directly onto a photo print. Study paintings were used to work out sizing and composition before executing a full-size matte painting on glass.

The cloud image is a photograph taken from real aerial photography, and McQuarrie has expertly added in the floating city in mixed media, including oil and ink. The shot number "(CC 9) (SC. 349)" is added in marker with additional text crossed out. The illustration is archivally framed in a black wooden frame with reflective metal details and a hanging wire affixed on the reverse. The piece is also featured in the 2016 publication Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie by Abrams. It remains in good overall condition with slight scuffing to the wood and minor scratches to the glass from storage and handling. Dimensions: 25" x 23" x 2" (63.5 cm x 58.5 cm x 5 cm)

Sold without copyright; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: $12,000 - 16,000

This item comes with a Propstore Certificate of Authenticity

This item is located in London.

This item is located in Los Angeles.