Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Graf Zeppelin" Signed lower right. Origina Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. Born on July 8, 1838, Ferdinand von Zeppelin early in life demonstrated an aptitude for science and engineering. However, he attended a military school and after obtaining a degree in engineering, he went on to enjoy a distinguished military career. In 1863, he engaged in his first balloon flight. However, it was years later, after he retired in 1891, that he began creating his own airborne craft. By this time, he believed so completely in aeronautics that he committed his entire fortune to support his projects. On July 2, 1900, his first great airship took to the sky on its maiden voyage. In this ship, he improved upon non-directional balloons by introducing a stream lined shape and a rigid structure with sufficient power to maneuver. Thus, it was a practical flying mechanism in an age when airplanes were yet a dream. Nine years later, in 1909, Zeppelin began the first successful passenger and mail flights between major cities. Decades later, this effort culminated in the world-girdling giant airships. Because of his ingenius designs and great personal sacrifices for the advancement of aeronautics, Count von Zeppelin is recognized everywhere as one of the early visionaries, a true pioneer of flight. Image Size: 17 x 21.25 in. Overall Size: 22 x 29.25 in. Unframed. (B12706)