Lot 25153: FRANK R. PAUL (1884-1963)

FRANK R. PAUL (1884-1963)
Original Pulp Back Cover Illustration
Amazing Stories, July, 1940
Caption: "As Mars Sees Us"
Watercolor on paper
21in. x 16in. (sight size)
Signed lower right: Paul

This startling alien tableau epitomizes Frank Paul's unmatchable imagination at play. In this image, we see ourselves "As Mars Sees Us." The accompanying text reads: "A Martian reconstruction of the Earthman, deduced from what he can discover of our world by observation and analysis, might very logically be such a creature as is shown here." Inside the pulp, author Henry Gade elaborates: "Using his observations with scientific instruments a Martian would reconstruct the Earthman on theory, most likely as artist Frank R. Paul has so cleverly depicted him." Gade continues, "Let us 'quote' the Martian scientist: The Man From Earth would be a very fortunate man, considering our own standards of existence. He has at his disposal, the richest, most livable world in the solar system. No doubt, he would be a fat, contented creature with a large body, bullet-head, short legs, and webbed hands and feet. Much of his time would be spent in eating, and his civilization would be simple. We of Mars can well be jealous of Earth and its inhabitants. For a future of millions of years of plenty, full of possibility for intellectual and scientific advance as the planet grows older, is in store for her." A copy of the pulp is included in this lot.

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