Framed Donkey Kong poster + Artist's Signature, Provenance - Mario's Debut READ

Description

DESCRIPTION:
The artwork of the Video Game genre is finally starting to receive the recognition it deserves. In 2011 the US Supreme Court ruled that Video Game Art deserves the same First Amendment Protections that books, plays, and other art forms receive. The Smithsonian American Art Museum hosted an exhibition in 2012 titled “The Art of Video Games”. This exhibition focused on the talented artists and designers that have used numerous mediums for storytelling and engaging audiences. Rare and original pieces are quickly disappearing into private collections. Super Mario 3D World was recently released for Ninetndo Switch, and Super Nintendo World just opened in Osaka Japan.
This is a very rare item and a unique piece of Video Game Art History. This is an original 1982 Donkey Kong print used by Nintendo Corporation and Topps Chewing Gum Company in a cross licensing promotion. The print has been signed by the original graphic artist, Leslie Cabarga.
Mr. Cabarga was contracted by Nintendo Corporation in 1981 to come up with original artwork for a new video game to be released in the United States called “Donkey Kong”. This game was the first appearance of a character then named “Jump Man” who would later become Mario, the most famous and iconic character of the most successful video game franchise in history. Mr. Cabarga’s artwork was licensed and used by Nintendo for many promotional purposes including Topps Chewing Gum Company for a 1982 sticker series to be based on the game. Mr. Cabarga designed additional artwork in 1982 specifically for this promotion. You are receiving a signed print of the original 1981 artwork. (The wrapped one in the pictures)
As provenance, I have a letter from Mr. Cabarga detailing his relationships with Nintendo Corporation and Topps Chewing Gum Company. I also have further documentation in U.S. Patent Registration filings that describe the transfer of original artwork from Mr. Cabarga to Nintendo Corporation.
The print has been professionally framed and matted to museum quality standards with acid free cotton rag mats and UV glass. External frame measurements are 16 7/8" x 19 5/8". The artwork will be securely shipped with insurance and I will also provide a copy of Mr. Cabarga’s provenance letter.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.