The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice (1951), original concept artwork, first French release (1952)

Artist: Roger Jacquier (Rojac) (dates unknown)

Unframed: 10 x 8 in. (25 x 20 cm)

Framed: 17 x 14 in. (43.2 x 35.5 cm)

Roger Jacquier (Rojac) designed an atmospheric piece for the French release of this film, unfortunately it was not used.

Exceptionally rare. Original artworks rarely surface as the majority were destroyed.

This film, which is an adaptation of Shakespeare's play, was directed by Orson Welles, who also played the title role. The movie was filmed on location over three years. Welles distilled the original play of Othello, which is over three hours long, to a ninety minute film, and re-ordered some of the scenes. The film tells the story of a daughter of a Venetian aristocrat who elopes with Othello, a Moorish military hero. Iago, Othello's junior officer, is envious of him and manipulates him, using Othello's weakness, to chilling effect.