![Whelan, Michael. (b. 1950)[Gallant, Roy A.] "Neptune" - Original Illustration from The National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Universe](http://www.schubertiademusic.com/cdn/shop/files/L1033194.jpg?v=1737410574)
Original illustration for the 1980 National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Universe, as it appeared reproduced on page 192. Oil on black paper in a custom artist-modified frame, with etched interior glass detailing over the illustration area. Signed verso and with the extracted published page showing the illustration. 8.5 x 7 inches framed to 14.25 x 12.25 inches overall.
Published in 1980, the National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Universe was among the most successful of Whelan's projects. One of many artists to work on the book, his primary contributions were the portraits of Roman gods representing celestial bodies. A massive initial print run of 670,000 copies pushed the first edition into stores everywhere where this coffee table book flourished for more than two decades in print. With revisions in 1986 and 1994, the book sold a staggering 2.5 million copies.
Michael Whelan is one of the world’s premier painters of imaginative realism and for more than 40 years has created book and album covers for authors and musicians like Isaac Asimov, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Brandon Sanderson, the Jacksons and MeatLoaf. His clients have included every major U.S. book publisher, the National Geographic Society, CBS Records, and the Franklin Mint.
As the most honored artist in Science Fiction, Michael has won an unprecedented 15 Hugo Awards (SF’s Oscar), 3 World Fantasy Awards, and 13 Chesleys from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. The readers of Locus Magazine (for SF insiders) have named him Best Professional Artist 31 times in their annual poll and the Spectrum Annual of the Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art named him a Grand Master in 2004. Other noteworthy awards include a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators, a Vargas Award, a Grumbacher Gold Medal, and the Solstice Award from the Science Fiction Writers of America. In 2009, he was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in Seattle, the first living artist to be named to the distinguished list that features such luminaries as H.G. Wells, Steven Spielberg, Rod Serling, and Ursula K. Le Guin.
Original illustration for the 1980 National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Universe, as it appeared reproduced on page 192. Oil on black paper in a custom artist-modified frame, with etched interior glass detailing over the illustration area. Signed verso and with the extracted published page showing the illustration. 8.5 x 7 inches framed to 14.25 x 12.25 inches overall.
Published in 1980, the National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Universe was among the most successful of Whelan's projects. One of many artists to work on the book, his primary contributions were the portraits of Roman gods representing celestial bodies. A massive initial print run of 670,000 copies pushed the first edition into stores everywhere where this coffee table book flourished for more than two decades in print. With revisions in 1986 and 1994, the book sold a staggering 2.5 million copies.
Michael Whelan is one of the world’s premier painters of imaginative realism and for more than 40 years has created book and album covers for authors and musicians like Isaac Asimov, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Brandon Sanderson, the Jacksons and MeatLoaf. His clients have included every major U.S. book publisher, the National Geographic Society, CBS Records, and the Franklin Mint.
As the most honored artist in Science Fiction, Michael has won an unprecedented 15 Hugo Awards (SF’s Oscar), 3 World Fantasy Awards, and 13 Chesleys from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. The readers of Locus Magazine (for SF insiders) have named him Best Professional Artist 31 times in their annual poll and the Spectrum Annual of the Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art named him a Grand Master in 2004. Other noteworthy awards include a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators, a Vargas Award, a Grumbacher Gold Medal, and the Solstice Award from the Science Fiction Writers of America. In 2009, he was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in Seattle, the first living artist to be named to the distinguished list that features such luminaries as H.G. Wells, Steven Spielberg, Rod Serling, and Ursula K. Le Guin.