PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT OF CHESLEY BONESTELL BY ANSEL ADAMS SIGNED BY BOTH, WITH TLS FROM ADAMS TO FREDERICK C. DURANT III

Estimate

5,000 - 6,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

Photographic portrait of Chesley Bonestell by Ansel Adams, circa 1980, signed by both Bonestell and Adams, with a typed letter signed from Adams to Frederick C. Durant III, 19 December 1983

Large silver gelatin photograph, 10 by 13 ½ inches, mounted, mount signed and inscribed lower left "To Bill Estler... at his suggestion!!!? Chesley" and at lower right "Ansel Adams". Matted, glazed and framed to 17 ½ by 21 ¼ inches [WITH]: ADAMS, ANSEL. Typed letter signed ("Ansel Adams") to Frederick C. Durant III, 19 December, 1983. 1 page, 215 x 280 mm, on Ansel Adams' letterhead with red and black monogram.

Provenance

Ex Collection of Frederick C Durant, III, by descent from Bill Estler. To Bill Estler from Chesley Bonestell.

Literature

ILLUSTRATED: Ron Miller & Fredrick C. Durant III. The Art of Chesley Bonestell, pp 98-99

Catalogue Note

THE ICONIC PORTRAIT OF THE FATHER OF SPACE ART. A classic image, signed by Ansel Adams, and then inscribed and given as a gift by Bonestell to Bill Estler, a close friend and curator of Bonestell's work. The letter from Ansel Adams to Frederick C. Durant III, the conservator of Bonestell's estate, in full:
"Dear Mr. Durant.

I am deeply appreciative of the handsome book on Chesley Bonestell's art which arrived a few days ago. I am proud to have my portrait of Chesley therein! It is a thrilling and timeless work and you and he are to be congratulated!

My best wishes,

Ansel Adams"