Magnus, Art Collector :: Chesley Bonestell

"The Elephant Towers"

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Artwork Details

Title:	"The Elephant Towers"
Artist:	Chesley Bonestell (All)
Media Type:	Mixed Media
Art Type:	Illustration
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	159
Likes on CAF:	8 9
Comments:	4
Added to Site:	5/13/2025
Comic Art Archive:

Description

The palaces of Ming the Merciless, perhaps? But no.

In 1939, at the peak of American culture, the nation held not one but two world's fairs � the World of Tomorrow in Flushing, New York City, of which many of you may have heard, and the 1939-40 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco, the "Pageant of the Pacific," which today is somewhat more obscure.

Both fairs were exuberant celebrations of Flash Gordon-like American Deco, California's showing more of an Asian flair. The architectural features of the Golden Gate included the twin Elephant Towers guarding the west entrance to the fair, designed by Donald Macky.

Before he kicked off the American space age (and that's not entirely exaggeration), Chesley Bonestell was one of the world's most accomplished architectural artists, often called upon to render the planned appearance of significant buildings -- like these. Image published in the June 1937 special issue of 'Pencil Points,' a magazine devoted to architecture and design.

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About the Owner

	Bruce W ( 1 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	March 2015
Last Login:	January 2026
Ebay Id:	magnus523
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Neon Dragon
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 5/14/2025

I knew Bonestell was an architecture illustrator but never knew about the expo on the west coast. What an amazing set of structures and equally, what an incredible piece of art. Colossal congratulations!

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 5/14/2025

Come see the wonders of the world! It was a way to welcome the world back to San Francisco which had rebuilt after the Earthquake and sunsequent fires of 1906. These towers were a grand achievement showing what mankind can achieve.

Monty B
Member Since 2006

1 - Posted on 5/14/2025

Absolutely gorgeous!!!

Glynn Crain
Member Since 2011

1 - Posted on 5/14/2025

Such a beautiful piece of art, congrats!

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