The Beauty of Space: Vintage NASA Photos
Description:
Ralph Morse (American, 1917-2014)
The original seven Mercury astronauts, Langley Air Force Base, July 1960. NASA HQ caption on the verso. Vintage gelatin silver print, image size 9 x 6 3/4 in. (22.8 x 17.0 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Minor wear at corners of sheet.
N.B. On April 9, 1959, NASA introduced its first astronaut class, the Mercury 7. This famous photograph of the astronauts wearing their new Mercury spacesuits was made by long-time Life photographer Ralph Morse, a man who spent so much time with the Mercury Seven (and with the Gemini and Apollo crews as well) that John Glenn himself fondly dubbed him 'the eighth astronaut' (Ben Cosgrove, Time magazine, http://time.com/3879356/mercury-seven-photos-of-nasa-astronauts-in-training/). Front row, left to right: Walter M. Schirra, Jr., Donald K. "Deke" Slayton, John H. Glenn, Jr., and M. Scott Carpenter; back row, left to right: Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, and L. Gordon Cooper, Jr.
Literature: Reynolds, pp. 38-39.
Estimate $400-600
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
John Glenn, John H. Glenn , Jr., L. Gordon Cooper , Jr., Alan B. Shepard , Jr., Ralph Morse, Walter M. Schirra , Jr., Ben Cosgrove, Donald K. "Deke" Slayton, Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, M. Scott CarpenterRobin S.R. Starr
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