James Irwin (American, 1930-1991)

Description:

James Irwin (American, 1930-1991)
Telephoto panorama of the lunarscape seen from the Lunar Module window before takeoff, Apollo 15, August 1971. Numbered 'NASA AS15-82-11214,' 'NASA AS15-82-11215,' 'NASA AS15-82-11217,' and 'NASA AS15-82-11211' (NASA MSC) in black along upper margins. Mosaic of four vintage gelatin silver prints, overall size 9 1/2 x 24 1/4 in. (24.0 x 62.0 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Scattered minor handling crimps.

N.B. Before returning to Earth, Irwin captured with the 500mm telephoto lens a last view of the lunarscape and its black sky near Pluton Crater. Situated in the North Complex, it was an area the astronauts could not explore during their three EVAs. "Most people can't comprehend a black sky except at night,' said David Scott. 'But we can comprehend a black sky in the daytime. Because on the Moon you have a black sky. And it's very different from a blue sky. I mean, when the surface of the Moon is illuminated, and it's bright, and there are shadows and contrasts, etc., and then you see the ridgelines, and above that is a black sky, that is a whole new thing for the mind to handle. And that's why we say, Ooh this is spectacular' (Chaikin, Voices, p. 68).
Estimate $2,000-3,000


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