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Details
RICHARD AMSEL The Shootist
1976
Signed "Amsel" l.r.
Conte pencil on glassine
11.5 x 18 in.
Unpublished comprehensive sketch for artist's One-Sheet; John Wayne, holding gun, surrounded by figures. The ghostly shadow of a rider on horseback at the bottom provides evidence of the artist's alteration of the drawing that resulted in a stronger, more striking composition.
Normally, Amsel insisted on being involved in every detail from concept through lettering. He was considered as much a designer as an artist and reportedly originated about 90 of the concepts for his projects. Amsel's final art for The Shootist is an outstanding example of his dynamic sense of design. The genesis of that concept can be perceived in this preliminary drawing. By surrounding Wayne with smaller representations of the co-stars and supporting actors, Amsel created the appearance of a cameo-like frame for the portrait, typical of the period of the film. His recognizable, lined technique produced strong, delineated faces. With The Shootist, Amsel presented the definitive John Wayne, incorporating all the rugged, cowboy features everyone associates with him.
As John Wayne's final film, The Shootist was described by Leonard Maltin as "a fitting (and poignant) valedictory to Wayne's career."
Movie starred: John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brien, Harry Morgan, Rick Lenz, John Caradine, Sharee North, Scatman Crothers. Directed by Don Siegel.
1976
Signed "Amsel" l.r.
Conte pencil on glassine
11.5 x 18 in.
Unpublished comprehensive sketch for artist's One-Sheet; John Wayne, holding gun, surrounded by figures. The ghostly shadow of a rider on horseback at the bottom provides evidence of the artist's alteration of the drawing that resulted in a stronger, more striking composition.
Normally, Amsel insisted on being involved in every detail from concept through lettering. He was considered as much a designer as an artist and reportedly originated about 90 of the concepts for his projects. Amsel's final art for The Shootist is an outstanding example of his dynamic sense of design. The genesis of that concept can be perceived in this preliminary drawing. By surrounding Wayne with smaller representations of the co-stars and supporting actors, Amsel created the appearance of a cameo-like frame for the portrait, typical of the period of the film. His recognizable, lined technique produced strong, delineated faces. With The Shootist, Amsel presented the definitive John Wayne, incorporating all the rugged, cowboy features everyone associates with him.
As John Wayne's final film, The Shootist was described by Leonard Maltin as "a fitting (and poignant) valedictory to Wayne's career."
Movie starred: John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brien, Harry Morgan, Rick Lenz, John Caradine, Sharee North, Scatman Crothers. Directed by Don Siegel.