Sam Simon’s ‘Simpsons’ animation and personal art up for auction: A peek at eight of the finds

"The Simpsons" co-creator Sam Simon kept a sizable collection of art and memorabilia that included examples of his own cartoons -- colorful bits that will go up for auction at Sotheby's on Thursday along with selections from Simon's trove of comics, animal rights and sports ephemera.

"The Creative Genius of Sam Simon: A Lifetime of Memorabilia" contains 278 lots from the writer and producer, who died of cancer in March. Subjects include "Four Stills From the Simpsons Opening Credits Sequence" and "Four Stills From the Drew Carey Show."

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Below is an early look at eight items to go on the block.

Eighteen original drawings for "Highlights Newspaper" by Sam Simon. Pre-auction estimate: $200 to $400.

Bart cel, circa 1990. Estimate: $300 to $500.

"Yellow Submarine" cel featuring George and Paul, 1968. Estimate: $500 to $700.

"The Simpsons" concept drawings, circa 1988. Estimate: $3,000 to $5,000.

Scripts, storyboards, character studies and hand-drawn illustrations. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,500.

"The Simpsons" family cel, circa 1990. Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000.

"The Simpsons" family cel, circa 1991. Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000.

Four stills from "Cheers" opening credits sequence. Estimate: $400 to $600.

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