Original Pulp Sci-Fi Paperback Cover Art Painting, Signed Sam RAO.

Original mid-century pulp science fiction / noir publishing production artwork featuring a dramatic surrealist composition with an oversized revolver, cosmic star-map background, and trench-coated figure rendered in classic hardboiled pulp style.

This is an authentic hand-painted production art board created for commercial printing reproduction, likely for a paperback novel or digest pulp publication dating from the 1950s–1970s.

The original board retains extensive handwritten publishing and printer instructions including:

• “Deepetch to size”
• “4 Colour Set”
• “Including bleed”
• spine measurements
• “20 Block Pulls”
• colour correction notes

These technical annotations strongly indicate this was the master production artwork used in the offset printing process for a vintage paperback or magazine cover.

The artwork displays exceptional mid-century noir and speculative fiction aesthetics, blending psychological symbolism, crime imagery, and cosmic sci-fi visuals highly associated with classic pulp illustration art.

Signed “RAO” lower left.

Condition:
Vintage production-used condition with visible age toning, discoloration, tape residue, edge wear, handling marks, and minor surface imperfections to mounting board. Artwork area retains strong colour saturation and outstanding display appeal. Sold unframed and as found.

Details:

• Original hand-painted production artwork
• Vintage publishing mechanical / paste-up board
• Signed “RAO”
• Mid-century pulp sci-fi noir aesthetic
• Handwritten printing instructions present
• One-of-a-kind original artwork
• Likely gouache, tempera, or mixed media on board
• Dimensons ( Art ) Length: 8.5 in xHeight: 14.5 in. Board: L; 13.5 in x H: 21 in .

Country of Origin:  USA

U.S. buyers are responsible for import duties, tariffs.

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Original pulp sci-fi paperback cover art painting signed RAO with authentic vintage publishing production notes and surreal noir illustration imagery.