Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

An original matte painting study used in the production of the 1983 science fiction picture Return of the Jedi, the third instalment of the original Star Wars trilogy directed by Richard Marquand.

Mattes are large scale, finely detailed and realistic paintings which are photographed and composited with live action footage usually to extend or provide a background which cannot be achieved practically, this art form was a staple of the motion picture industry for many years but has been largely replaced by computer generated imagery in more recent times. This study relates to the skiff sequences early in the film which was achieved with a combination of live action footage shot on location in Buttercup Valley, close ups filmed against bluescreen on the Industrial Light & Magic stage, matte paintings and miniatures. This matte painting study was achieved by artist Frank Ordaz who was recruited to the ranks of the matte painting department at Industrial Light and Magic by supervisor Michael Pangrazio.

The study is a 14" x 11" photographic blow up on acetate of the live action shot achieved on location, the purpose of the matte shot was to cover the stands supporting the skiffs and the safety mattresses below used for the shot where Luke jumps from one skiff to another and thus these areas of the print have been painted in Ordaz's hand. This would have served as a test shot for the technique and colours to be used on the final matte painting. The bottom of the study has several paint samples of differing colours which would serve as reference when painting the finished matte. The second to last image shows the live action shot and how the study would have appeared before painting, making it clear which areas were painted by Ordaz. The final image shows similar shots pinned to the board behind George Lucas in the matte painting department at Industrial Light & Magic during the production.

The matte study remains in excellent production used condition with some light paint staining and handling marks to the verso, very fine. It is signed by matte artist Frank Ordaz to the bottom right corner in silver.

A rare and displayable artefact from one of the most influential and highly regarded franchises in cinematic history.