Borg Antiquarian

SKETCH of RAY BRADBURY; [From the Estate of Ray Bradbury]

[Bradbury, Ray] Rodriguez, Raldon

Raldon Rodriguez, N.D. [image c.1985]. Raldon Rodriguez. Original: matted, framed, & glazed. Wood-bordered frame; black cloth matting, glass. Portrait Sketch of Ray Bradbury's head (13 1/2" H x 9" W): SIGNED by the Artist, Raldon Rodriguez, in ink lower center of image; medium is charcoal-on-paper; encased in a wooden frame (21" x 13" x 1 1/4"), glazed over black cloth matting. Weight: 4 lbs. 3 oz. Fine / Framing Fine to G for matting & glazing. Item #1995

Ray Douglas Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was a distinguished and bestselling American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Because of the resemblance of this "headshot" charcoal sketch to other images off Bradbury appearing in 1985 and 1986 (his turtleneck sweater then being depicted), we provisionally date this image to that period of his work.

From 1985 to 1992, Bradbury hosted a syndicated anthology television series, The Ray Bradbury Theater, for which he adapted 65 of his stories. Each episode began with a shot of Bradbury in his office [evidently similar to this image], gazing over mementoes of his life, which he states (in narrative) are used to spark ideas for stories. During the first two seasons, Bradbury also provided additional voiceover narration specific to the featured story and appeared on screen.--Wikipedia

We have not been able to identify Raldon Rodriguez but suspect he was an enthusiastic fan. His skillful use of charcoal suggests that he had some artistic instruction.

Overall Condition: Fine. The image is crisp, clean, and bright. Any smudges of the charcoal are minimal and minute. The overall framing is provisional and not professionally executed. The penetrating and accurate sketch has been loosely affixed to the mat by a single thumbnail-sized piece of tape on its verso. The wooden frame is Near Fine with slight rubbing, though the glass is in Fine condition. The matting of black cloth has only been loosely fastened to the fiberboard backing. We are unsure whether the glass is tempered. We are also unable to state whether this matting and framing were done by Bradbury or another person involved with his estate, but we recommend that it be redone professionally.

Following his death in 2012, Ray Bradbury's personal library was donated to Waukegan, while his enormous collection of other books, manuscripts, and artwork (a medley of props, posters, illustrations, etc.) was given by his daughters to The Center for Ray Bradbury Studies at Indiana University - Purdue University and is now housed in Indianapolis.

Purchased from a California auction in conjunction with the Bradbury Estate in late 2014. Certificate of Authenticity will be provided.

Price: $1,950.00