Frank R. Paul (American, 1884-1963) Abduction by Big Red, Science Fiction pulp magazine cover, October 1940 Oil on canvas 26 x 18 inches (66.0 x 45.7 cm) Signed lower right: Paul The Frank Collection of Science Fiction & Fantasy Art PROVENANCE: Wolheim Estate; Jerry Weist, Boston, Massachusetts; Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1996. EXHIBITED: Science Fiction Museum, Seattle, Washington, "Alien Contact," 2006. Legendary artist Frank R. Paul is credited with enticing luminaries like Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury to pick up their first science fiction magazines and in turn change culture forever. This cover for the short-lived Columbia title Science Fiction shows the meticulous detail Paul applied to the composition and architecture of his imagined worlds that allowed the fanciful stories within his illustration to seem all the more other-worldly. The present work appears as a color plate on page 35 of The Frank Collection: A Showcase of the World's Finest Fantastic Art by Jane Frank (Sterling Pub., 1999). HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved