Bidding for Pop’s watercolor ends in six days. This is one of ten watercolors Dad painted on site as he and his team tried to make the first ascent of K2 back in 1953. The history of these paintings is unique. As George Bell Jr, the painting’s donor, notes:

This watercolor was painted by Dee Molenaar on the approach to K2 in 1953. Dee was a member of the 1953 American Karakoram Expedition, the goal of which was the first ascent of K2. Other expedition members included Charles Houston, Bob Bates, Robert Craig, Pete Schoening, Art Gilkey, Tony Streather and George Bell Sr. (my father).

All expedition members made it to their high camp at 25,300 ft (7,700 m) and endured a 10-day storm during which Art Gilkey became sick and unable to walk. They attempted to evacuate him, but a fall entangled multiple rope teams and nearly resulted in tragedy. Incredibly, six climbers hurtling down steep snow were stopped by Pete Schoening using an ice axe belay braced by a boulder (this axe is on display in the American Mountaineering Museum). This belay has become one of the most famous in the history of mountaineering. With the exception of Art Gilkey, all expedition members survived K2 and remained best friends for life. Dee Molenaar was the last to pass away at age 101 in 2020.

Dee titled this painting “View of Trango Towers along lower Baltoro Glacier.” After comparing it with photographs I believe the view is from just before Khoburtse. The main peak in the center is now called “Baltoro Cathedral” or “Thunmo”. The sharp spire to its right I believe is Lobsang Spire*

This link will take you to the auction: https://karenmolenaarterrell.substack.com/p/six-more-days-to-bid-on-watercolor?r=9hujb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true