1973 Press Photo Wood Carver Louis Otto works at his "Au Bois Sculpte" shop

Wood Carver Louis Otto works near window in his shop where examples of his work adorn walls. - Held by a pair of tawny lions, a wooden plaque outside a Dauphine Street shop announces "Au Bois Sculpte." Even if the English translation, "Wood Sculpture," were not written beneath the French, one unfamiliar with that language might be able to guess the vocation of the shopowner by looking at the handcarved mahogany sign. What the sign does not reveal: wood sculptor Louis R. Otto Jr., 57, spent 32 years of his life as an electrical engineer before discovering wood carving at middle age; and only three years ago, deciding to pursue his creative bent, he left a remunerative job in the space program to open his wood carving shop.

Photo is dated 1973.

Photo measures 9.75 x 7.75 inches.