Heritage Auctions has sold a poster for the first Star Wars film for $3.875 million, a record for items related to the franchise, the Associated Press reports.
The original acrylic painting by artist Tom Jong, created in 1977, was first featured in newspaper advertisements two weeks before the premiere of George Lucas’s film.
Later, the illustration was used on billboards, in magazines, and in theater programs. The poster belonged to Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz for many years and hung in his office. After his death, the painting passed to his daughter, who put it up for sale.
According to auctioneer Charles Epting, this painting was the first visual contact of most Americans with the Galaxy. Therefore, it is considered not just an art object, but a part of the cultural history of the United States.
The composition of the work has also become iconic: Luke Skywalker with a raised lightsaber, Princess Leia next to him, and Darth Vader in the shadows behind. On the right is the attack of X-wing fighters, as well as the scene of Solo and Skywalker being awarded. The artist added the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO later – they already appeared on the poster and billboards.
Bidding started at $1 million but quickly rose to almost $4 million. The buyer wished to remain anonymous. Before this deal, the most expensive lot in the franchise was Darth Vader’s lightsaber, which sold for $3.6 million.
The Star Wars franchise remains one of the most successful in the world and continues to inspire fans and collectors. Experts explain that this is why the film is worth so much, almost half a century after its premiere.