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Pair of fantasy paintings of Mars surface by Chesley Bonestell for Griffith Observatory

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Pair of fantasy paintings of Mars surface by Chesley Bonestell for Griffith Observatory
Condition Reports: If you wish to obtain additional information on a particular lot, or cannot appear at the viewing, Profiles may provide, upon request, a condition report. We remind prospective buyers that descriptions of property are not warranted and that each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the terms of the limited warranty. Condition reports, as other descriptions of property, are not warranted; they are only provided as a service to interested clients.
Chesley Bonestell (1888-1986) was a true pioneer in the field of popularizing the future of space travel through his beautifully rendered yet presciently accurate depictions of space craft and interplanetary landscapes. His work graced numerous science-fiction magazine covers and books, and was used in matte-painting and conceptual design for films like War of the Worlds. These two small panoramic works in gouache on 5 x 16” 8-ply illustration board (image size 3 x 15”) depicting the surface of Mars, were proposals for 1.5 x 9 ft. murals inside the Griffith Observatory, which, according to Bonestell’s notes on verso, failed to raise the funds for completion. These are exceedingly rare and classic examples of exactly the type of work which has immortalized him in the pantheon of fantasy conceptual art. Both works were cracked in center (presumably by Bonestell, likely when he learned the commission would not be funded) and have been skillfully restored, possibly by the artist himself. Due to this issue, condition grade is Very Good.