Chesley Bonestell (1 January 1888 – 11 June 1986) was a painter, designer and illustrator. His paintings were a major influence on science fiction art and illustration, and he helped inspire the American space program. He is known as the "Father of Modern Space Art".
Bonestell was born in San Francisco, California. His first astronomical painting was done in 1905. After seeing Saturn through the 12-inch (300 mm) telescope at San Jose's Lick Obser...
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Chesley Bonestell (1 January 1888 – 11 June 1986) was a painter, designer and illustrator. His paintings were a major influence on science fiction art and illustration, and he helped inspire the American space program. He is known as the "Father of Modern Space Art".
Bonestell was born in San Francisco, California. His first astronomical painting was done in 1905. After seeing Saturn through the 12-inch (300 mm) telescope at San Jose's Lick Observatory, he rushed home to paint what he had seen. The painting was destroyed in the fire that followed the 1906 earthquake.
Bonestell studied architecture at Columbia University in New York City. Dropping out in his third year, he worked as a renderer and designer for several of the leading architectural firms of the time. While with William van Alen, he designed the art deco façade of the Chrysler Building as well as its distinctive gargoyles. During this same period, he designed the Plymouth Rock Memorial, the U.S. Supreme Court Building,...
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