![KHRUSHCHEV, Nikita (1894-1971), Soviet Premier and GAGARIN, Yuri (1934-1968), Cosmonaut. Lithographic photograph signed ("Gagarin"), and ("N. Khrushchev") as Premier, Moscow, n.d. [ca. 1961]. 5½ x 4 in., with margin and caption beneath the image. Signed on the lower margin. The caption reads: "The Path to the Stars is Paved by the Communists!" Khrushchev stands next to Gagarin, raising the astronaut's hand in triumph (probably taken from the Red Square reviewing stand during the parade to celebrate Gagarin's flight).](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2007/NYR/2007_NYR_01938_1080_000(021359).jpg?w=1)
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KHRUSHCHEV, Nikita (1894-1971), Soviet Premier and GAGARIN, Yuri (1934-1968), Cosmonaut. Lithographic photograph signed ("Gagarin"), and ("N. Khrushchev") as Premier, Moscow, n.d. [ca. 1961]. 5½ x 4 in., with margin and caption beneath the image. Signed on the lower margin. The caption reads: "The Path to the Stars is Paved by the Communists!" Khrushchev stands next to Gagarin, raising the astronaut's hand in triumph (probably taken from the Red Square reviewing stand during the parade to celebrate Gagarin's flight).
KHRUSHCHEV CELEBRATES THE SOVIET VICTORY IN THE SPACE RACE when Yuri Gagarin became the first man to orbit the earth, on 12 April 1961. His flight on Vostok 1 was a great propaganda coup for the Soviets, in addition to being a great technical achievement. Khrushchev exploited it to the hilt, coming as it did on the heels of the Russian success with Sputnik in 1957, the first unmanned space satellite. Gagarin, more interested in flying than in politics, enjoyed the media attention and international fame while it lasted. Yet he was eager to return to his daily life as an aviator. Sadly, he lost his life in a routine training flight in March 1968.
KHRUSHCHEV CELEBRATES THE SOVIET VICTORY IN THE SPACE RACE when Yuri Gagarin became the first man to orbit the earth, on 12 April 1961. His flight on Vostok 1 was a great propaganda coup for the Soviets, in addition to being a great technical achievement. Khrushchev exploited it to the hilt, coming as it did on the heels of the Russian success with Sputnik in 1957, the first unmanned space satellite. Gagarin, more interested in flying than in politics, enjoyed the media attention and international fame while it lasted. Yet he was eager to return to his daily life as an aviator. Sadly, he lost his life in a routine training flight in March 1968.