David K. Stone: Juan de la Cierva

Artist: David K. Stone
1922 - 2001
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1979
Image Size: 21 by 18 inches
Overall Size: 25.625 by 22.625 inches
Medium: Oil on Masonite

Juan de la Cierva's first plane, a tri-motor, crashed after three successful flights, but the accident inspired this pioneer of aviation to design an aircraft that didn't depend on speed to remain airborne. Naturally, de la Cierva turned to the helicopter, which at the time was only a theory, but he soon realized that it was far too complicated for his purposes. After considerable study, de la Cierva realized that the only solution to his flight problems was an airplane with an autogiro that provided aerodynamic lift. While watching two children's toys, the pinwheel and the toy helicopter, he realized that by combining aspects of both he could design a plane with wings that rotated automatically. The autogiro was the result, and it was patented in Spain in 1920. Through the years he continued building and rebuilding his invention, since it could jump, but, unfortunately, could not fly. One day the solution came to him, flexible blades like those of airplanes, and he began designing these immediately. All tests of the new rotary wing autogiro were successful, a success that paved the way to perfection of the helicopter and the rotodyne. Juan de la Cierva and his autogiro are featured on this painting.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood® Juan de la Cierva Commemorative Cover postmarked September 21, 1979.

Artwork Copyright © 1979 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06331

US$ Price: $1,500.00

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