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419. Hand-Painted Ralph McQuarrie Sparky and Speedo Production Painting ### STAR WARS: PANASONIC COM

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
419. Hand-Painted Ralph McQuarrie Sparky and Speedo Production Painting ### STAR WARS: PANASONIC COM
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STAR WARS: PANASONIC COMMERCIAL (1988) - Hand-Painted Ralph McQuarrie Sparky and Speedo Production Painting - A painting of Sparky and Speedo hand-drawn by renowned concept illustrator Ralph McQuarrie during pre-production for a series of Star Wars-themed Panasonic commercials. Beginning in 1988, franchise creator George Lucas appeared with R2-D2 and a new creation, a genius talking robot named Sparky, in ads promoting Panasonic's high-tech Maclord videocassette players. At the specific request of Panasonic president Masaharu Matsushita, Sparky's final look was designed by McQuarrie, whose concept designs for the original trilogy resulted in some of the most iconic and futuristic characters, sets, and technologies in modern science-fiction. McQuarrie tried to incorporate as many innovative features into the new droid as possible, as George Lucas wanted something he could have an intellectual interaction with. Jeff Mann and the rest of the model shop then built the droid with those specifications. Later, McQuarrie also illustrated designs for Speedo, a never-realized companion character.

This production painting depicting Sparky in his signature glasses with a smaller dog-like robot known as Speedo is rendered in mixed media on illustration board signed and dated "87" in the bottom right corner by McQuarrie. The board exhibits edge wear, corner folding, and some adhesive residue along its borders. Dimensions: 11" x 13.25" (28 cm x 33.5 cm)

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

Estimate: $8,000 - 16,000

Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, August 15th. The auction will begin at 9:30AM 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 Friday, August 16th, Saturday, August 17th or Sunday, August 18th.