Exquisite original sketch of Alan Shepard in his Project Mercury suit before becoming the first American in space, accomplished in charcoal and chalk on a beige sheet of 29.25 x 35.25 artist's paper by acclaimed American illustrator Bob Peak. Titled, signed, and dated at the bottom in brown charcoal, "Sketch of Alan Shepard for the flight of Freedom 7—R. Peak, 86." Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 36 x 42. In fine condition.
An award-winning commercial illustrator, Bob Peak (1927-1992) is remembered for his movie poster designs and magazine covers. His famous movie posters include those for West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Camelot, the first five Star Trek films, Rollerball, Apocalypse Now, and concepts for James Bond movies (including The Spy Who Loved Me). His work has also been featured on the covers of Time magazine, TV Guide, and Sports Illustrated, as well as a number of USPS postage stamps.