In March 1962, James Webb, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, suggested that artists be enlisted to document the historic effort to send the first human beings to the moon. John Walker, director of the National Gallery of Art, was among those who applauded the idea, urging that artists be encouraged "…not only to record the physical appearance of the strange new world which space technology is creating, but to edit, select and probe for the inner meaning and emotional impact of events which may change the destiny of our race."

Working together, James Dean, a young artist employed by the NASA Public Affairs office, and Dr. H. Lester Cooke, curator of paintings at the National Gallery of Art, created a program that dispatched artists to NASA facilities with an invitation to paint whatever interested them. The result was an extraordinary collection of works of art proving, as one observer noted, "that America produced not only scientists and engineers capable of shaping the destiny of our age, but also artists worthy to keep them company." Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum in 1975, the NASA art collection remains one of the most important elements of what has become perhaps the world's finest collection of aerospace themed art.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Date

1969

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

ART-Drawings

Medium

Drawing, Pencil on Paper

Artist

Franklin McMahon

Physical Description

Press Center, Houston, Apollo XI. A bald man is standing in the center of the page with gadgetry strapped to his back and around his belt. An antenna extends from the backpack and he is wearing a headset. The position of his left arm suggests he is leaning on something that is not shown and his right arm rests on his waist. No background is detailed. Writing in the lower right reads: "Press center Houston Apollo XI."

Dimensions

2-D - Unframed (H x W): 43.2 x 35.6cm (17 x 14 in.)

Inventory Number

A19760550000

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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