Finished 21st February 2018

500 Pieces

Solar Probe "Helios"

Illustration by Theodor Lässig (1928-2015), 

german graphic artist and representant of the so-called retro-futurism.

The probes have been created to explore space between the earth and the sun. They were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on December 10, 1974 (my sixth birthday), and January 15, 1976. The probes are no longer functional but still remain in their elliptical orbits around the Sun.

The illustrator also depicts two allegories of the greek sun-god Helios

 Helios, the personification of the Sun in greek mythology, 

leads the chariot across the sky to make daylight happen. 

 

The second allegory of the sun is the Colossus of Rhodes. 

The island of Rhodes is almost the only place where Helios enjoys an important cult.

 A vintage Ravensburger special edition.