“Ben-Hur” (1959) Movie Set Photographs – Original Production & Behind-the-Scenes Images

Description

Collection of black-and-white and sepia-toned production photographs documenting the making of the epic 1959 motion picture Ben-Hur, starring Charlton Heston. These original movie set photographs provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the construction, ships, Roman galleys, scenery, and production activity associated with one of Hollywood’s most ambitious historical epics. The photographs offer collectors an opportunity to own original visual material related to the production of Ben-Hur, a landmark of classic Hollywood cinema.

The collection includes a black-and-white photograph showing a boat with a sail on the water, with only the bow visible and additional boats in the background. A “sky” cyclorama is visible behind the set, while printed production notation along the proper right edge reads “NOV 4 57 PROD 1724 SHUG 77.” Another black-and-white photographic movie still depicts a boat featuring a large eagle at the bow, with soldiers holding shields aboard the vessel. A black strip along the proper right edge reads “NOV 457 PROD 1724 SHUG 91.”

Additional photographs document an aerial view of a ship positioned in a manmade body of water, surrounded by scaffolding and construction equipment, with mountains visible in the distance. A sepia-toned photograph shows the port side of a ship’s bow, with statues or figures dressed in Roman attire visible on the deck performing various activities. Production notation printed along the proper right edge reads “NOV 4 57 PROD 1724 SHUG 100.” Another aerial photograph captures the ship, extensive scaffolding, and construction equipment surrounding the artificial water setting.

The collection also includes black-and-white photographs of scaffolding and buildings alongside the manmade body of water, as well as images featuring Roman boats, surrounding scenery, and production equipment. Several photographs bear the “VASARI / (3) ROMA” stamp on the reverse, with one additionally marked “149,” providing further production and archival context.

These Ben-Hur production photographs are an exceptional addition to collections of classic Hollywood memorabilia, MGM Studios history, epic film collectibles, movie set photography, behind-the-scenes photography, Roman historical cinema, Charlton Heston memorabilia, and film-production archives. Offered by Planet Hollywood Vault, this group of original photographs provides a rare visual record of the scale and craftsmanship involved in creating one of the most celebrated films in Hollywood history.

Condition

The photographs exhibit varying degrees of age and handling wear, including creasing around the edges, bent corners, and fingerprints throughout. Some photographs are adhered to Plexiglas and cannot be removed without risk of damage.

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All photographs/screen captures are used solely for reference. Screen captures do not imply items are screen matched.