Simpsons Production Cel, Background, Key Master Setup, Homer ' S Night Out, 1990
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:1345884 | Artwork Type: Production Background |
| Original/Reproduction: Original Production Art | Age: 1970-Now |
| Studio/Show: 20th Century Fox |
This is just a historic piece of animation art, a key master setup from season one, episode ten of The Simpsons. In this episode, entitled, "Homer's Night Out, " Bart purchases a spy camera and takes a photo of Homer at a stag party. The photo of Homer dancing and stuffing money into a dancer's bathing suit areas is quickly distributed all over town, until it finally reaches Marge. She throws him out, but agrees to give him another chance if he is willing to introduce ...Bart to the dancer and show him that she deserves to be respected, rather than objectified. At last, Homer and Bart track down "Princess Kashmir" at the Sapphire Lounge, the scene where this cel and background are set. As Homer is talking to the dancer, her performance cage rises high about the stage, but Homer doesn't notice. Thanking her for her time, Homer walks off the platform and suddenly finds himself precariously dangling high above the stage! This moment can be seen at 18:57, and I have provided a screenshot of that moment in the pictures (the one with the FX Logo).
The depth on this piece is incredible: Homer is large and holding onto the cage, and below is a microscopic Bart, staring up at his father in peril! It's a 12 field cel, but the depth makes it seem so much larger. It's also one of the better episodes of season one, and I highly recommend you watch it and see how many iconic moments this episode contains. Even if you're not buying, take the time to watch and remind yourself how amazing the Simpsons really was in the early years.
However, what separates this cel from all the others you'll find is the incredibly high artistic quality, a style that defined the Simpsons during their golden era. The piece is not just a regular key master, but rather it is a mixed-media composition. As you look at the pictures, especially the back of the setup, you'll get real insight into how the Simpsons came together during production. Note the attached construction paper, utilized to provide texture to the background. Also, look at the amount of ink and paint that went into this setup: it takes place on what I believe to be five cel levels, and the background is actually a mixed-media cel, used as the foundation of the stage. And don't overlook the incredible detail in the stage area: the stairs, weighted bags for the red curtain, and even a broom and a stage message board! From the yellow stars on the curtains to the bars of Princess Kashmir's performance cage, the amount of detail, work, ink, and paint really provides insight into just how hard the original animators worked to bring the Simpsons to life.
In case you can't tell, it's not easy to part with this piece. I had plans to frame it with Plexiglass on both sides, and I think it's just a great conversation piece that gives a window into the animation process utilized by one of the most influential shows in American culture. More than that, to me it really is a piece that has historic value. However, this is my only Simpsons cel, and it really doesn't fit in with my larger collection. It currently resides on shelf in a temperature and humidity controlled room. Personally, I believe art should be displayed, not just stored away, and that's why I'm offering it here. It deserves to be the centerpiece of someone's collection, if I can find the right buyer.
In terms of condition, there is only very light and minor wear. There is a tiny dab of what I think is tape gunk, but I never tried to remove it. Also, some of the cels have fused together over the last 30 years, but I don't see any signs of paint damage. It's truly in great shape, and the cels are thick and still have their sheen. Cel decay simply isn't going to be an issue. This setup will last.
Please contact if you have questions or if you'd like more pictures or information. I'm setting the price commensurate of how I value the piece, but I'm willing to entertain reasonable offers from the right collector. At the end of the day, if you really want this piece it can be yours.
However, I'll also be perfectly happy to keep it in my permanent collection.... Thanks for looking, and happy hunting!
The depth on this piece is incredible: Homer is large and holding onto the cage, and below is a microscopic Bart, staring up at his father in peril! It's a 12 field cel, but the depth makes it seem so much larger. It's also one of the better episodes of season one, and I highly recommend you watch it and see how many iconic moments this episode contains. Even if you're not buying, take the time to watch and remind yourself how amazing the Simpsons really was in the early years.
However, what separates this cel from all the others you'll find is the incredibly high artistic quality, a style that defined the Simpsons during their golden era. The piece is not just a regular key master, but rather it is a mixed-media composition. As you look at the pictures, especially the back of the setup, you'll get real insight into how the Simpsons came together during production. Note the attached construction paper, utilized to provide texture to the background. Also, look at the amount of ink and paint that went into this setup: it takes place on what I believe to be five cel levels, and the background is actually a mixed-media cel, used as the foundation of the stage. And don't overlook the incredible detail in the stage area: the stairs, weighted bags for the red curtain, and even a broom and a stage message board! From the yellow stars on the curtains to the bars of Princess Kashmir's performance cage, the amount of detail, work, ink, and paint really provides insight into just how hard the original animators worked to bring the Simpsons to life.
In case you can't tell, it's not easy to part with this piece. I had plans to frame it with Plexiglass on both sides, and I think it's just a great conversation piece that gives a window into the animation process utilized by one of the most influential shows in American culture. More than that, to me it really is a piece that has historic value. However, this is my only Simpsons cel, and it really doesn't fit in with my larger collection. It currently resides on shelf in a temperature and humidity controlled room. Personally, I believe art should be displayed, not just stored away, and that's why I'm offering it here. It deserves to be the centerpiece of someone's collection, if I can find the right buyer.
In terms of condition, there is only very light and minor wear. There is a tiny dab of what I think is tape gunk, but I never tried to remove it. Also, some of the cels have fused together over the last 30 years, but I don't see any signs of paint damage. It's truly in great shape, and the cels are thick and still have their sheen. Cel decay simply isn't going to be an issue. This setup will last.
Please contact if you have questions or if you'd like more pictures or information. I'm setting the price commensurate of how I value the piece, but I'm willing to entertain reasonable offers from the right collector. At the end of the day, if you really want this piece it can be yours.
However, I'll also be perfectly happy to keep it in my permanent collection.... Thanks for looking, and happy hunting!
