11-02-201711-02-2017
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
November 2, 2017 10:00 AMCalender
265

Richard Gordon (American, b. 1929),Pete Conrad (American, 1930-1999),or Alan Bean (American, b. 1932)

Sell one like this
$2,214$1,800
Auction: American & European Works of Art - 3048MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: November 02, 2017 10:00AM

Description:

Richard Gordon (American, b. 1929),Pete Conrad (American, 1930-1999),or Alan Bean (American, b. 1932)
Eclipse of the Sun by the Earth, Apollo 12, November 1969. Numbered 'NASA AS12-53-7934' (NASA MSC) in black on the recto l.r. margin. Vintage gelatin silver print, image size 7 1/4 x 7 1/4 in. (18.3 x 18.3 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Scattered subtle handling crimps.

N.B. This dramatic view was taken on the journey home from the Moon when the Earth moved directly between the Sun and the spacecraft. Depicted is a scene only visible in space, and which the Apollo 12 astronauts were the only humans to witness. "Now, we saw an eclipse coming back on Apollo 12, which nobody else had experienced before,' remembered Richard Gordon. 'It was a beautiful sight. It was very, very impressive. It looked like a damn diamond ring... We were pretty close to the Earth for the eclipse, so it was pretty good size, but only a very small crescent of the atmosphere was illuminated, and then the Sun kind of... went behind the Earth, and then came back out around the corner again... The Earth was totally black; we couldn't see a damn thing on the Earth. Just black, I mean, nothing was illuminating it. There was the black of space, the black of the Earth that you couldn't distinguish anything on, and then we saw a little crescent of atmosphere..." (quoted in Chaikin, Space, p. 126).

Literature: Light, plate 108 (variant).
Estimate $500-700


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

Richard Gordon, Pete Conrad