Lot 3
  • 3

BONESTELL, CHESLEY. STUDY FOR "ACROSS THE SPACE FRONTIER" DEPICTING THE ARISTILLUS AND AUTOLYCUS CRATERS, CIRCA 1950

Estimate
5,000 - 7,500 USD
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Description

  • Study for "Across the Space Frontier" Depicting the Aristillus and Autolycus Craters, circa 1950
Pen, ink, and lithographic pencil on scratch board, 12 by 14 ¾ inches (sight), signed "Chesley Bonestell" lower right. Captioning in pencil to back of frame in Hulda Bonestell's hand: "Large Crater, Aristillus | Small Crater, Autolycus | Seen from elevation of 5 Miles | Original study for p. 51 'Across the Space Frontier' owned by Brit. Interplanet. Society (1952) + Collier's Mag. March 22, 1952. Also Collier's magazine series 'Man Will Conquer Space Soon' (1951-52 approx)." Matted and framed to 20 ¾ by 23 ½ inches. 

Provenance

Ex Collection of Frederick C. Durant, III

Literature

EXHIBITED: Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy, Monterey, October 1991.

Condition

Not examined out of frame. Pen, ink, and lithographic pencil on scratch board, 12 by 14 ¾ inches (sight), signed "Chesley Bonestell" lower right. Some chips to scratch board visible on lower left margin, not affecting image. Captioning in pencil to back of frame in Hulda Bonestell's hand: "Large Crater, Aristillus | Small Crater, Autolycus | Seen from elevation of 5 Miles | Original study for p. 51 'Across the Space Frontier' owned by Brit. Interplanet. Society (1952) + Collier's Mag. March 22, 1952. Also Collier's magazine series 'Man Will Conquer Space Soon' (1951-52 approx)." Matted and framed to 20 ¾ by 23 ½ inches. Not examined out of frame.
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

The present drawing is a study for an illustration in "Across the Space Frontier" (New York: Viking Press, 1952). The published illustration featured the addition of a so-called "round-the-moon ship" hovering 50 miles above the lunar surface over the Aristillus and Autolycus craters with the caption: "The first trip to our moon will be without landing, in a ship designed to travel in space online, taking off near the Space Station and returning to it."