Launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia – limited edition print

The Premier and Collector’s editions are shipped ROLLED, FREE* and UNSTRETCHED. Stretching is available for the Premier and Collector's at an additional charge and for local pickup only. Please contact us for pricing: 800-850-1776 or info@mortkunstler.com.

* Free shipping within the Continental United States.

Custom framing is available for this print. Custom framing for the Premier and Collector's Editions are available for local pickup only. Please call 800-850-1776 or email info@mortkunstler.com for more information.

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS
Giclée Canvas Prints
Reproduction technique: Giclées are printed with the finest archival pigmented inks on canvas.
Each print is numbered and signed by the artist's daughter, Jane Künstler, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Signature Edition Size: 27” x 18”
Signed & Numbered • Edition Size: 100
Artist’s Proof • Edition Size: 10

Classic Edition Size: 36” x 24”
Signed & Numbered • Edition Size: 100
Artist’s Proof • Edition Size: 10

Premier Edition Size: 42” x 28”
Signed & Numbered • Edition Size: 15
Artist’s Proof • Edition Size: 5

Collector’s Edition Size: 51” x 34”
Signed & Numbered • Edition Size: 5
Artist’s Proof • Edition Size: 2

About this Painting
In 1979 Mort Kunstler was selected to be the official Space Shuttle Artist by its prime contractor, Rockwell International. He was commissioned to paint NASA's initial space shuttle Columbia, from design to launch. For nearly two years Mort received privileged access to Rockwell's facilities and development teams. He witnessed a rocket test, the launch, touchdown, and came to know Astronauts John Young and Bob Crippen. The seven original paintings and 21 sketches were unveiled in 1981 at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts' An American Adventure exhibit. The exhibit travelled to other Rockwell plant cities, and other exhibits followed. From 2014 through 2016 two of the paintings, "The Launch" and "Touchdown" were part of the traveling exhibit Mort Künstler: The Art of Adventure curated by the Norman Rockwell Museum. 

Mort Künstler's Comments
“The tension surrounding the launch of this space shuttle was tremendous. At launch, the five engines were fired simultaneously, creating a torrent of thrust of almost seven million pounds. First a huge cloud of smoke shot up from the launch pad, then the flames, brighter than the sun. It took a few seconds for the sound to reach us, but when it did it was absolutely overwhelming. It felt like an earthquake - the ground even trembled - and we were more than two miles away! Altogether, it was an incredible moment, one of the most exciting experiences of my life.”

The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts opened a major retrospective exhibit of Künstler’s art in November 2014, including many of his Men’s Adventure art. Mort Künstler: The Art of Adventure had over 80 pieces from early childhood through his most recent works. This traveling exhibit was hosted by the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Virginia, the Citadelle Art Foundation in Canadian, Texas, and the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook, New York.