STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI (1983) - William Plumb Collection: Signed, Hand-painted Vincent Di Fate Final Videogaming Illustrated Cover Illustration and Matted Concept Painting - A signed, hand-painted final Videogaming Illustrated cover illustration and matted concept painting by Vincent Di Fate.

These illustrations from William Plumb's personal collection are hand-painted on art boards and feature Darth Vader in front of TIE Fighters. The back features hand-written annotations for "Videogaming Illustrated #4" and a list of "Changes" for the art and comes with a S.F. Chronicle article about Di Fate; a letter from Di Fate about the art process; a comp card, and a biography. It exhibits discoloration on the back, rough edges, and adhesive residue. Dimensions: (each) 16" x 14" (40.75 cm x 35.5 cm)

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

For the last four decades, William Plumb has been at the forefront of Star Wars and science fiction original art collecting. He was a pioneer in searching for artwork for his collection and began contacting artists to inquire about their works in the mid 1980s. Over time he developed personal relationships with many renowned artists including Ralph McQuarrie, Drew Struzan, Lawrence Noble, and Dave Dorman. In 1986, Plumb organized the "Space Fantasy & Reality Art Expo" at the Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest, California, to benefit the handicapped. The event was supported by contributions from Plumb's artist friends and even Lucasfilm - all of whom loaned materials to Plumb for the display.

It was through these personal relationships that Plumb acquired many of the finest pieces in his collection. Throughout the years, Plumb organized or appeared at countless other events and shows, where he proudly displayed his collection and discussed his passion for Star Wars original art with both artists and fans. In 1996, Plumb hosted a panel at San Diego Comic Con on collecting Star Wars artwork specifically. In 2001, he and a small group of fellow collectors commissioned Lawrence Noble to produce the now-famous "Bronze Yoda." Plumb's bronze Yoda statue was perennially displayed at The California State Fair for fans to see and enjoy.

Propstore is pleased and honored to offer these fantastic lots from Plumb's collection, including Noble's matching number Artist Proofs of the bronze Yoda and Darth Vader statues, sketches and paintings from McQuarrie, Struzan, Noble, Dorman, Kazu Sano, Tim Hildebrandt, John Gampert, Ken Barr, Vincent Di Fate, and many more.

Estimate: $1,000 - 2,000

Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, March 13th. The auction will begin at 9:00AM 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, March 12th or Thursday, March 14th.