- 17
BONESTELL, CHESLEY; ADAMS, ANSEL
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Photographic portrait of Chesley Bonestell by Ansel Adams, ca. 1980, signed by both Bonestell and Adams, with a typed letter signed from Adams to Frederick C Durant III, 19 December, 1983.
- large silver gelatin print
Large silver gelatin print photograph (10 x 13 1/2 in.) mounted, mount signed & inscribed lower left "To Bill Estler... at his suggestion!!!? Chesley" and at lower right "Ansel Adams". Matted, glazed and framed to 17 1/2 x 21 1/4 in.
WITH: ADAMS, ANSEL. Typed letter signed ("Ansel Adams") to Frederick C. Durant III, 19 December, 1983. 1 page (215 x 280 mm) on Ansel Adams' letterhead with red & black monogram, discussing the publication of this portrait in Durant & Miller's book The Art of Chesley Bonestell.
WITH: ADAMS, ANSEL. Typed letter signed ("Ansel Adams") to Frederick C. Durant III, 19 December, 1983. 1 page (215 x 280 mm) on Ansel Adams' letterhead with red & black monogram, discussing the publication of this portrait in Durant & Miller's book The Art of Chesley Bonestell.
Provenance
Ex Collection of Frederick C Durant, III, by descent from Bill Estler. To Bill Estler from Chesley Bonestell.
Literature
Illustrated in: Ron Miller & Fredrick C. Durant III. The Art of Chesley Bonestell, pp 98-99
Catalogue Note
THE ICONIC PORTRAIT OF THE FATHER OF SPACE ART. A classic image, signed by Ansel Adams, and then inscribed and given as a gift by Bonestell to Bill Estler, a close friend and curator of Bonestell's work. The letter from Ansel Adams to Frederick C. Durant III, the conservator of Bonestell's estate, in full:
"Dear Mr. Durant.
I am deeply appreciative of the handsome book on Chesley Bonestell's art which arrived a few days ago. I am proud to have my portrait of Chesley therein! It is a thrilling and timeless work and you and he are to be congratulated!
My best wishes,
Ansel Adams"