Valles Marineris from an Altitude of 300 Miles from Viking Orbiter 1
Chesley Bonestell
Oil on canvas
1980

As Chesley Bonestell’s career progressed, the style of his artwork grew more realistic. He based this painting on an image taken by Viking Orbiter 1 (he noted the image number and its date on the back of the painting). It shows great attention to detail as well as a slightly less fanciful tone than his earlier works.

Gift of Pip and Frederick C. Durant III