Michael Whelan (American, b. 1950) Barsoom: The
Michael Whelan (American, b. 1950) Barsoom: The Gods of Mars paperback cover, 1979 Acrylic on panel 25 x 34 inches (63.5 x 86.4 cm) Initialed lower left: MW From the Collection of Robert "Bob" Barrett This work is published as the wraparound cover of The Gods of Mars, book two in the Barsoom, John Carter of Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs (Del Ray, 1979). Michael Whelan created eleven covers for the series during his tenure with Del Rey. Whelan's covers are unquestionably some of the most beloved depictions of Burroughs's Martian tales, and among the most coveted of his works by fans. The artist himself has called the assignment the culmination of his teenage dreams and reflected that "as a testament to my enthusiasm for John Carter, I had the first four paintings in progress before we finalized the terms of my commission—but hey, I wasn't about to let any hurdle get in the way of my doing those paintings." With the responsibility to translate the unique world of Burroughs for a new generation coming only three years into his professional life, the Barsoom paintings would prove transformational for Whelan's career as well as the look and feel of Science Fiction & Fantasy art throughout the coming decades. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Very light edgewear with some extremely minor subsequent losses, not affecting central image. Small vestiges of adhesive at center right and lower right extreme edge, most visible under UV or raking light. Not examined outside of frame due to framing techniques small clusters of pinpoints of pigment along extreme edges appear to be affixed to acrylic. Framed under acrylic. Framed Dimensions 25.5 X 34.5 Inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"
Michael Whelan (American, b. 1950) Barsoom: The Gods of Mars paperback cover, 1979 Acrylic on panel 25 x 34 inches (63.5 x 86.4 cm) Initialed lower left: MW From the Collection of Robert "Bob" Barrett This work is published as the wraparound cover of The Gods of Mars, book two in the Barsoom, John Carter of Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs (Del Ray, 1979). Michael Whelan created eleven covers for the series during his tenure with Del Rey. Whelan's covers are unquestionably some of the most beloved depictions of Burroughs's Martian tales, and among the most coveted of his works by fans. The artist himself has called the assignment the culmination of his teenage dreams and reflected that "as a testament to my enthusiasm for John Carter, I had the first four paintings in progress before we finalized the terms of my commission—but hey, I wasn't about to let any hurdle get in the way of my doing those paintings." With the responsibility to translate the unique world of Burroughs for a new generation coming only three years into his professional life, the Barsoom paintings would prove transformational for Whelan's career as well as the look and feel of Science Fiction & Fantasy art throughout the coming decades. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Very light edgewear with some extremely minor subsequent losses, not affecting central image. Small vestiges of adhesive at center right and lower right extreme edge, most visible under UV or raking light. Not examined outside of frame due to framing techniques small clusters of pinpoints of pigment along extreme edges appear to be affixed to acrylic. Framed under acrylic. Framed Dimensions 25.5 X 34.5 Inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"
