Sotheby’s is pleased to present “Man of Steel: An Original Christopher Reeve Costume for Superman”—a single lot online auction offering one of the most iconic costumes in comic and cinema history.

 

A complete costume representative of Superman I, II, and II, “Man of Steel” celebrates a foundational artifact from American cinema’s first superhero blockbuster. According to the costume designer of the 1978 film, Yvonne Blake, her assignment was simple— not to create a look from scratch, but to bring to life a design already beloved by generations of children and adults: a tunic, trunks, leggings, and cape in blue, red, and yellow. As over 120 million people would see Superman in its first worldwide theatrical run, it’s fair to say Blake succeeded in her brief.

Superman was the second-highest-grossing film of 1978 in the U.S. and Christopher Reeve’s groundbreaking portrayal of the Man of Steel became the foundation of the modern superhero blockbuster fans know and love today. Reeve is a rare Hollywood case of an actor that not only lived up to the character he played on screen, but surpassed him in grace and resiliency. ‘Superman’—both the film franchise and the character himself—would not be as beloved as it is in the American canon if Reeve had not gone on to live his remarkable life of activism and advocacy.

This December, you have the rare chance to be a part of this on-screen legacy–a unique opportunity to make an important piece of the DC Comics universe your own.

For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact:

+1 212 606 7000

enquiries@sothebys.com

For all other enquiries please contact:

Ralph DeLuca

Vice Chairman, Popular Culture

Ralph.Deluca@sothebys.com

Chaia Mascall

Associate Specialist, Popular Culture

Chaia.Mascall@sothebys.com

Frances Doherty

Pre-Sale Experience Coordinator, Luxury

Frances.Doherty@sothebys.com