1970s

Although the illustrations of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia bear no resemblance to actors Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher and appear to be clothed in ancient Roman robes, this distinctive Italian Due Fogli poster is, in our opinion, one of the most impactful and visually stunning designs created to promote the first instalment of George Lucas' original, genre-defining, sci-fi trilogy. Clearly taking inspiration from comic book illustration with his stylised design and bold colouring, Sicilian artist Michelangelo Papuzza assembled the battle-ready cast (with the notable exception of lead characters Han Solo and Obi-wan Kenobi) in a classic peaked formation against a circle of starry space, with a firing TIE-fighter thrown in for good measure. Up close, the white ground is gorgeously printed with a fine speckle, as if spray painted. Later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, George Lucas' 1977 space epic kicked off one of the greatest film franchises of all time and became a pop culture phenomenon that is still going strong forty years later. A copy of this poster sold at Sotheby's for £3,250 in December 2019.

Condition

Excellent (A-)

Conservation backed on linen in the European style with no restoration whatsoever. Prior to backing this poster had three vertical and three horizontal machine folds as issued, with splits and minor paper loss to crossfolds, and minor chips, nicks and creases to edges. Backing has smoothed and diminished these folds and minor imperfections. Image and colours otherwise excellent.