11-02-201711-02-2017
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
November 2, 2017 10:00 AMCalender
402

Harrison Schmitt (American, b. 1935)

Sell one like this
$923$750
Auction: American & European Works of Art - 3048MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: November 02, 2017 10:00AM

Description:

Harrison Schmitt (American, b. 1935)
The 'Blue Marble,' Apollo 17, December 1972. Numbered 'NASA AS17-148-22727' (NASA MSC) in red on the recto u.l. margin. Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper with 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the verso, image size 7 1/8 x 9 1/2 in. (18.0 x 24.0 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Minor cracks at sheet corners, fox marks or similar on the verso.

N.B. Only this final Apollo mission saw the Earth fully illuminated. The photograph was released by NASA on Christmas Eve, four years to the day after the Apollo 8 Earthrise, and the image soon became known as the 'Blue Marble,' probably the most widely distributed image in history. 'This now famous picture of the Earth, taken from about 34,000 miles away, shows all of Africa, the continent of human origins and later migrations. In spite of the personal motivations for the descriptions and photographs,' stated Harrison Schmitt, 'when I took this picture, I could not help but be struck by the remarkable fact that humans from that now receding blue, green, red-yellow, and white globe could take such a picture. A new migration to places elsewhere in the solar system had begun. As a geologist, I also reflected on how much our Home Planet had endured over four and a half billion years of time, demonstrating a truly remarkable resilience to apparent diversity' (Jacobs, p. 126).

Literature: Chaikin, Space, p. 131; Jacobs, p. 127; Light, plate 114; Hope, p. 151.
Estimate $1,000-1,500


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

blue marble, Kodak