Lot 95: Robert Watson Painting Entitled ''The Martial Chronicles'' -- Used for the Cover Art of the 1953 Second Edition -- Painting Owned by Ray Bradbury

Robert Watson painting entitled ''The Martian Chronicles'', as the artist provided this cover art for the book's second edition, printed in 1953. Signed ''R. Watson'' in paint at lower left, oil on canvas painting depicts a solitary human being, surrounded by decaying structural columns on a desolate landscape; this piece exactly matches the cover of the 1953 edition, with the exception that the book has a red background. With the artist's name, painting title and ''Collection of Ray Bradbury'' handwritten to verso. Painting measures 14'' x 18''. Minor scratch to front, else near fine. With a COA from the estate of Ray Bradbury.