Birth of a Legend" by R. Taylor, Erich Hartman Signed!

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This is a rare Publisher Proof of the long sold-out Robert Taylor print, "Birth of A Legend". Publisher Proofs were never available to the public and were issued in VERY limited quantities (often 15 or less). Publisher Proofs were given to the select few who were involved in the commissioning and/or purchase of the original painting, the research of the topic, and the signing of the print. This particular print came from the collection of the original owner of the painting. This print is signed in pencil by both Robert Taylor and Erich Hartmann and contains the hand written identification "Publisher Proof". This print is in near mint condition, having only a some minor edge damage at the very bottom (which is not unusual even on a brand new print) and a small thumb crease on the extreme right hand, white boarder. Both of these are minor and will be completely covered when the print is framed. This print is being offered from the personal collection of an aviation art retailer. This print has been stored flat since new, between archival foam core, and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. This print measures approximately 33" x 25". I have too much art to enjoy so this may be your opportunity to add this print to your collection for a below-market price. Image Description: On November 5, 1942, flying wingman in a Schwarm of four Me109s of JG-52, his flight had scrambled to intercept Russian Lagg-3s and IL-2 fighter-bombers bound for the Front. Splitting into two elements they dived steeply into attack, screaming in behind and below the enemy aircraft a few hundred feet off the deck. Selecting one of the IL-2s, the rookie pilot closed at high speed, commencing firing with 20mm cannon from about two hundred feet. His first pass was unsuccessful but, undeterred, Hartmann zoomed up and dived over for a second run at the Russian machine. Holding his fire till the IL-2 filled his gun-sight, he drilled cannon shells into the oil-cooling system setting the enemy aircraft on fire. Closing rapidly from behind, Hartmann's Me109 was showered with debris from the doomed Russian plane, causing an explosion in the young pilot's own aircraft, which immediately caught fire. Now at very low altitude, Hartmann had no alternative but to belly in. With great presence of mind he cut power, fuel and ignition switches as he crash-landed at high speed in a massive cloud of dirt and dust.Though he lost his aircraft, Hartmann had made his first kill, the IL-2 crashing with a resounding explosion a few miles distant. Unhurt, the young future Ace was picked up and returned to base almost immediately by a German car. And thus a legend was born: It was the first of 352 air victories that would make Hartmann the top scoring fighter pilot in history.In the final print in his best-selling Hartmann Trilogy, Robert Taylor's dramatic painting, Birth of a Legend , set in the picturesque Caucasus mountain region bathed in the golden hues of autumn, captures for posterity the dramatic moments that launched the career of a fighter pilot legend. Payment to be made within 48 hours of auction's end. Print is shipped rolled in a tube via UPS. Shipping cost to US addresses $15.00. Overseas shipping will be quoted to successful bidder. Overseas shipments and alternate shipping methods are at buyer's risk as insurance is typically not available. read more

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