Original Ron Cobb artwork "Lurking Cat" from the collection of John Milius....

Description

Original Ron Cobb artwork "Lurking Cat" from the collection of John Milius. Oil on Masonite (35.75 x 23.5 in.), depicting a large cat in desert surroundings crouching in his den with a pile of bones from his last meal in the foreground. Signed "R Cobb '82" at the lower right corner. In 1975, screenwriter/director John Milius bought a Ron Cobb work entitled "Man on Lizard Crossing Over" (see previous lot), which served to inspire Milius' friend and former USC classmate George Lucas for the Dewback creatures in the first Star Wars film. Admiring Cobb's talent, in 1981 Milius hired him as production designer for Conan the Barbarian, to create Robert E. Howard's fictional Hyborian Age world. As a token of appreciation for their work together, Cobb painted "Lurking Cat" as a companion piece to "Man on Lizard Crossing Over", and gifted it to John Milius. Prior to Conan, George Lucas hired Ron Cobb as a concept artist on Star Wars, and he later worked on such classics as Alien, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Aliens, Back to the Future and The Abyss. Housed in its original wooden frame. In fine condition. This artwork has remained in John Milius' collection ever since 1982 and it comes with a signed letter of provenance by Milius.

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