The Beauty of Space: Vintage NASA Photos
Description:
Neil Armstrong (American, 1930-2012)
First photograph of a man standing on the surface of another world, Apollo 11, July 1969. Stamped '5872' (NASA MSC) in black on the verso. Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper with 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the verso, image size 7 1/4 x 7 in. (18.3 x 17.5 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Subtle creases at sheet corners u.r. and l.r.
N.B. Armstrong took this historic first photograph of Aldrin on the lunar surface after having set up the lunar surface TV camera. Aldrin was unfurling the solar wind sheet, designed to trap tiny particles hurled from the distant sun. Deployed for an hour and 17 minutes, the aluminum sheet caught 10 trillion atoms of chemical elements streaming from the Sun at supersonic speeds (Mason, p. 174). The two black spots in the sky above the horizon and the foggy areas seen in the photograph were caused by the refraction of sunlight in the lens of Armstrong's camera (Thomas, p. 196). The NASA negative number is AS11-40-5872.
Literature: Thomas, p. 196-97.
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
KodakRobin S.R. Starr
Vice President
Director of American & European Works of Art
508-970-3206
Elizabeth Haff
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Old Masters & 19th Century
508-970-3206
James Leighton
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Fine Photographs
508-970-3206