ALLEN ANDERSON (American 1908 - 1995). War Maid of Mars, Planet Stories cover, May 1953. Oil on board. 20 x 14 in.. Sign... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

ALLEN ANDERSON (American 1908 - 1995)
War Maid of Mars, Planet Stories cover, May 1953
Oil on board
20 x 14 in.
Signed lower right
This piece is thought to be one of only three surviving science fiction covers by Allen Anderson. From Robert Weinberg's A Biographical Dictionary of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists (1988), page 310, "'an unusual twist of fate' was reported as the reason behind the survival of this painting. When Fiction House, publishers of the magazine, went out of business in the sixties, all of the original art stored in its warehouse was burned by workers who saw no reason to keep the art. Fortunately, Frank Kelly Freas had rescued several of his own paintings years before." Later, as Freas told it, he took the Anderson painting, one of two, in trade for monies owed him when he was visiting the publisher to discuss his own artwork, shortly before the fire.

This painting was reproduced on page 37 of The Frank Collection: A Showcase of the World's Finest Fantastic Art by Jane and Howard Frank.

A copy of the magazine is included in this lot.

PROVENANCE:
Ex-collection of artist Frank Kelly Freas. From the Frank Collection.



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