The Beauty of Space: Vintage NASA Photos
Description:
William Anders (American, b. 1933)
First photograph of the planet Earth taken by man, Apollo 8, December 1968. Stamped "D4C 57779" on the verso u.r., McDonnell Aircraft stamp on the verso u.l. Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper with 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the verso, image sizes to 8 x 10 1/2 in. (20.3 x 26.5 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Good.
N.B. William Anders and his crewmates James Lovell and Frank Borman became the first humans to see the Earth as a sphere hanging in space. Archibald McLeish wrote in the New York Times that 'To see the Earth as it truly is, small and blue and beautiful in that eternal silence where it floats, is to see ourselves as riders on the Earth together, brothers on that bright loveliness in the eternal cold--brothers who know now they are truly brothers' (December 25, 1968). The photograph was on the cover of Life magazine (January 10, 1969). The NASA negative number is AS8-16-2593.
Literature: Chaikin, Space, p. 81; Schick and Van Haaften, p. 95; Jacobs, p. 35.
Estimate $800-1,200
Very subtle surface scratches visible in raking light, very minor wear at sheet corners. Sheet measures 8 5/8 x 11 inches. No additional issues to report.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Kodak, James Lovell, B. William Anders, New York Times, Archibald McLeish, Apollo, Van Haaften, Schick HaaftenRobin S.R. Starr
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