Lot 25
  • 25

BONESTELL, CHESLEY

Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 USD
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Description

  • "Stone Architecture on Mars, Demonstrating Mars' two-thirds less gravity than Earth's."
  • oil on board
10½ by 11 inch oil on artist's board, signed "Chesley Bonestell" lower right. Verso stamped "Chesley Bonestell", titled on verso in pen in Bonestell's hand, with additional pencil notation reading "In 1985 I realized that the columns should be 1¾ times thicker (measure closest col. at base) than they are in the ptg."

Provenance

Ex Collection of Frederick C. Durant, III

Literature

Published in: Ley & Von Braun's The Exploration of Mars, 1956, p. 66, as plate x.

Condition

Some minor surface scratches/abrasions, two areas with lines cut in shape of box with x, edges finished with masking tape, some areas with loss of tape. Explanatory text to verso in two hands, one likely Bonestell's.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A striking image by the "Father of Space Art". "Bonestell's work represented a quantum leap in the quality of space art. By combining his experience as an architectural renderer (for the knowledge of perspective and light and shadow) with his experience as a Hollywood special effects matte painter (for realistic painting techniques), Bonestell was able to bring a sense of reality to space art that set a standard that is still admired today." (Hartmann, Bradbury, Sokolov, Miller et al, In the Stream of Stars, p 31).