Panoramic sequence with Edgar Mitchell, the S-band antenna, the US Flag and the LM reflecting a circular flare, January 31-February 9, 1971, EVA 1
Alan Shepard [Apollo 14]
Important information about this lot
Price Realised GBP 1,125
Estimate
GBP 1,500 - GBP 2,500
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
Closed: 20 Nov 2020
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Panoramic sequence with Edgar Mitchell, the S-band antenna, the US Flag and the LM reflecting a circular flare, January 31-February 9, 1971, EVA 1
These three overlapping photographs taken by Shepard from the 12 o’clock position relative to the LM hatch (west of the LM) provide a panoramic view of the Fra Mauro landing site illuminated by the Sun.
Unfiltered by any atmosphere, the Sun as seen from the lunar surface is more brilliant than on Earth; and the LMs “landed with the Sun at their back, so that the astronaut’s view of the lunar surface was not impeded by glare. Consequently it was difficult to photograph a LM’s front face after landing” (Bizony, p.136).
However the front face of the LM is clearly visible with the ladder, the hatch and the “United States” and flag decals. The tilt of the spacecraft is apparent. The American flag is highlighted. The unusual ball of light on the LM was said by astronauts to have a jewel-like appearance. Mitchell is operating the TV camera sending live color pictures of the lunar surface back to Mission Control. The Cone Crater ridge, about 1 km away, forms the background behind Mitchell and the S-band antenna.
114:56:15 Mitchell: Now, I’ll zoom in out here once more (with the TV camera). Let you see at close-hand what’s out there. Another pile of rocks (and) more ridges. 114:56:44 McCandless (Mission Control): You’re pointing at the sky. (Pause) 114:56:51 Mitchell: Okay. 114:56:52 McCandless: That’s better. 114:56:53 Mitchell: You need a gunsight on this thing. 114:56:54 McCandless: You sure do. 114:56:55 Mitchell: That better? 114:56:56 McCandless: Yeah. The horizon is about one quarter of the way up. 114:56:58 Mitchell: Okay. (Pause as Ed lowers his aim) 114:57:04 McCandless: Beautiful. (Long Pause) 114:57:20 Shepard: Okay, Houston. Al is finished with the documentation; (and the frame) counter (is reading) 110 (on the Hasselblad).
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Alan Shepard [Apollo 14]Panoramic sequence with Edgar Mitchell, the S-band antenna, the US Flag and the LM reflecting a circular flare, January 31-February 9, 1971, EVA 1Estimate: GBP 1,500 - 2,500
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Overall in very good condition with wear commensurate with age and use.
Please note that photographs in this sale are drawn from a variety of sources and include photographs used to prepare press articles. Condition will vary from lot to lot but some photographs may display signs of further handling including, but not limited to:
Nicks to edges; fading or yellowing; slight warping and creasing; light scruffs or scratches; small tears to margins; handwritten annotations in pencil or ink; captions affixed to verso; staining to verso; affixed labels or stickers; occasional hand retouching to press photographs, and cropped margins.
Most of these will be discernible from the catalogue images.
The mosaic panoramas are composed of multiple photographs attached together using adhesive. These may be trimmed to allow for correct registration of successive images within the panorama.
The department would be delighted to be in touch with you for advice on how to display or store photos. Please contact us for further images or comments on condition.
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Lot 476Sale 20142
Alan Shepard [Apollo 14]Panoramic sequence with Edgar Mitchell, the S-band antenna, the US Flag and the LM reflecting a circular flare, January 31-February 9, 1971, EVA 1Estimate: GBP 1,500 - 2,500
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