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Star Wars: the original artwork for the Russian release of Star Wars (1977), 1990, 3 image 1
Star Wars: the original artwork for the Russian release of Star Wars (1977), 1990, 3 image 2
Film & Television
Lot 87

Star Wars: the original artwork for the Russian release of Star Wars (1977),
1990, 3

17 November 2021, 11:00 GMT
London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £19,000 inc. premium

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Star Wars: the original artwork for the Russian release of Star Wars (1977),

1990,
pastel on paper, backed on card, artwork by Alexander Chantsev depicting three original alien species against a cosmic backdrop, the lettering painted in stencil, together with the printed artist's proof and a printed poster for the 1990 first theatrical release in the USSR, with letter of provenance,
the artwork 12 1/2in x 19in (32cm x 48cm), (3)

Footnotes

Provenance:
Offered by the artist's family.

The original Star Wars (1977) did not receive a wide theatrical release in the Soviet Union until 1990. Artists Alexander Chantsev and Yuri Bokser designed four highly stylised official film posters for the release, one being the present artwork. None of the three aliens shown feature in the film itself, although the bald head and pointed ears of the left-hand figure is reminiscent of Ralph McQuarrie's early concept sketches of Chewbacca.

Chantsev's career peaked with commissions for Reklamfilm, a Soviet publishing house for film posters (Soviet and foreign), during this period he produced his most distinguished works between 1987 and 1991, including the present artwork. His designs have been exhibited internationally, including a 1991 solo exhibition in Rome.

Many film posters for Western-made films were considered propaganda tools by the Soviet Union, and were heavily restricted or prohibited from circulation. The present artwork would have been commissioned as a wholly original design that was unrecognisable compared to Western posters for the release in the West in 1977.

Additional information

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