A unique drawing by the first man on the top of Everest
This rare 1999 sketch, signed by Everest pioneer Edmund Hillary, echoes his legendary climb and lifelong dedication to the Sherpa people. One of only three known drawings, it reflects the quiet humility behind one of history’s greatest feats of endurance and generosity.
On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay stood atop the world. At 8,534 meters above sea level, they became the first humans to conquer Mount Everest—the highest point on Earth. With rudimentary gear, no GPS, and only grit and instinct to guide them, they reached a place where the air is thin, the cold is deadly, and every step defies human limits. It was a moment that redefined the boundaries of exploration and transformed Hillary into a global symbol of courage and determination.
But Hillary's greatest legacy didn’t end at the summit. Deeply moved by the people of the Himalayas, he spent decades helping the Sherpa communities through the Himalayan Trust, the NGO he founded. He built schools, clinics, and hope in a region that had given him so much. His life became a rare blend of heroic achievement and humble service—a combination that few ever reach.
This signed sketch, drawn in January 1999 with a simple black pen, is one of only three known drawings by Hillary in the world. It was sent in response to a French admirer who had written directly to his home in New Zealand. This 15 x 10 cm piece is a personal echo of one of the greatest adventurers of the 20th century. A quiet reminder that even legends take the time to answer their mail.
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