One of the most defining cinematic images of the 20th century, Saul Bass' spiral poster design for this classic 1958 Alfred Hitchcock thriller "Vertigo" has become synonymous with the film. Bass's intention to convey the feeling of vertigo through this design is clearly felt in his simple and stylish graphics that also symbolises the downward spiral of events in the timeline of the movie. The fourth and final time that James Stewart would work with Alfred Hitchcock, with both turning in career defining performances for a film consistently making the shortlist for 'Greatest Movie of All-Time' with the influential movie magazine 'Sight & Sound' making it their Number One film of all time, beating Citizen Kane into second place (all the more meaningful as this is an accolade awarded by Film Critics). Presented unrestored with the much preferred red background (there is a strong debate that there were two versions issued, red and orange). But many experts now believe that the orange styles are more likely to be faded. This is a nice example of a sought after piece of important movie memorabilia. The bold red colour is bright with deep black lettering and slight ageing to the white areas. There are some obvious defects to the paper but nothing significant that couldn't be put right with professional linen-backing and restoration. (Provenance: The personal collection of Howard Kazanjian).

Red' Style - NSS #58/241 - Printed SAUL BASS signature to bottom right edge

27" x 41" (69 x 104 cm)

Condition: Poor to Fair

Unrestored, originally folded. Overall poster presents well with wear attributed with age and use. White areas have slightly darkened (off-white). Areas of paper loss to all four corners with scattered pin-holes (some enlarged) and small tears to white border and periphery of image with a small area of paper loss to bottom centre cross fold. Some smudges in the white areas near the centre of the poster at the base of the spiral. Colours remain bright. We have graded this poster as Poor to Fair and have described its defects fully with a series of photographs accompanying the Lot to illustrate as such. Should you require more photographs or detailed description please contact us.

Artist: Saul Bass

£1000 - 2000

VAT Status: Ω