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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977) - Matthew Yuricich Matte Painting - Sky Behind Devil's Tow

Currency:GBP Category:Memorabilia / Movie - Memorabilia Start Price:500.00 GBP Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 GBP
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977) - Matthew Yuricich Matte Painting - Sky Behind Devil's Tow
A matte painting by Matthew Yuricich from Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Matte painting is one of cinema’s oldest visual-effects techniques, used to extend sets and create scenery for films by means of a painted image rather than a physical set. This matte painting was used to create a remarkable cloud formation in the sky behind Devil’s Tower for the scene in which the clouds took on an otherworldly appearance as the Mothership arrived.

The painting is achieved using acrylic paints on a large sheet of masonite, and shows a deep blue sky with swirling clouds. A large area is painted grey, where the live-action footage of Devil’s Tower would overlap. A tree is painted on the left side of this massive rock formation. Written at the top left corner of the board is “CN-24”. The artwork shows minor wear to the masonite due to production use and age. The piece was recently cleaned and given an extremely minimal touch-up by assistant matte artist Rocco Gioffre. It remains in fine condition. Dimensions: 203 cm x 96.5 cm x 0.5 cm (80” x 38” x ¼”)

Please note this lot is sold without copyright, reproduction rights, licencing agreements or any other type of legal release.

£2,000-3,000

VAT Status - Omega