Chesley Bonestell (1888–1986) was an American painter, designer and illustrator whose paintings were a major influence on science fiction art and illustration, and helped inspire the American space program. An early pioneering creator of astronomical art, Bonestell was dubbed the "Father of Modern Space Art." Offered here is a large and impressive 23.5x36.75" lithograph on heavy stock paper. Originally painted in the 1950s, image appeared in the book "The Exploration Of Mars" published by Viking Press and depicted what scientists then surmised what the surface of Mars would look like. Art has been signed in pencil at lower left by Bonestell and was part of a limited signed edition of 200 printed in the 1970s by William Estler, a friend of Bonestell's and the then-curator of his works. The original painting now hangs in the National Air and Space Museum. Lithograph depicts Martian landing team, w/winged vehicle and upright rocket on vast plain while spacesuit-clad explorers work among rocky hills. Two tank-tread space explorer vehicles sit on bluff at left. Litho has some lt. handling wear to corners but would frame for an Exc. appearance. Great space imagery.