Taken by a Maurer 70mm Camera Aboard the Apollo 4 Spacecraft

Description:

Taken by a Maurer 70mm Camera Aboard the Apollo 4 Spacecraft
First color photograph of the Crescent Earth, Apollo 4, November 9, 1967. Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper with 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the verso, image size 9 1/2 x 7 5/8 in. (24.0 x 19.2 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Minor handling creases to l.l. corner of sheet.

N.B. The photograph was taken from an altitude of 9,745 nautical miles. The Saturn V rocket made two orbits of the Earth before the third stage booster fired to send the capsule out in a vast ellipse peaking at over 11,000 miles, offering the fantastic view of a full crescent Earth, a sight the Apollo astronauts would see on the way to the Moon. 'Today, Apollo 4's ghostly image of the Earth's globe, pale and breathing, like a child in the womb awaiting its first human witness, has a peculiar fascination' (Poole, pp. 86-87). The NASA negative number is AS4-1-410.

Literature: Cortright, p. 199.
Estimate $700-900


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