BEN-HUR - Hand-Painted Chariot Race Matte Concept Artwork

BEN-HUR - Hand-Painted Chariot Race Matte Concept Artwork Hand-painted chariot race concept artwork for a matte painting from William Wyler's classic epic Ben-Hur. In one of the most famous sequences in cinematic history, Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) competed against his former friend Messala (Stephen Boyd) in a deadly chariot race. Created as a preparatory illustration for a large-scale matte painting, this artwork is rendered in mixed media on paper framed with matte board. While it is thought to be the work of matte painter Matthew Yuricich, the frame features a handwritten note signed by special photographic effects artist Lee LeBlanc on behalf of the matte painting department to executive producer Joseph Vogel reading "We thank you for making it possible for us to contribute to the greatest achievement in the motion picture industry." The lot remains fragile from age and production, with cracked and flaking paint, discoloration along the edges, and water damage to the board. It should be handled with caution. Dimensions: 30" x 15" x 0.5" (76.25 cm x 38.25 cm x 1.5 cm) Sold without copyright; see notice in Buyer's Guide. Estimate: $1,500 - 2,500 This lot will be auctioned on Wednesday, June 22nd. The auction will begin at 8:00am 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 Tuesday, June 21st; Thursday, June 23rd; or Friday, June 24th.