Mark Schuler (American, B. 1951) "First Probe of Venus 1967" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 45c First Probe of Venus stamp issued November 24, 1989. Venera 4 was the fourth USSR probe sent to gather information on Venus. The first three were not successful. It arrived on October 18, 1967 and returned atmospheric data, but was crushed by atmospheric pressure before reaching the surface. Image Size: 12 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 20 x 20 in. Unframed. (B12218)