The identity of the man on the cover of Led Zeppelin IV has finally been identified by a historian, 52 years after the album's release. The well-known image of an elderly, bearded figure, who A "mystery man" shown on the album cover of Led Zeppelin IV has been revealed as a 19th century thatcher, researchers have found. The figure - who has remained unknown for over half a century - is most likely Lot Long from Mere in Wiltshire - photographed by Ernest Farmer. The 52-year-old mystery surrounding the figure featured on Led Zeppelin's fourth studio album cover has finally been solved. The identity of the man - hunched over with a pile of sticks balancing on his back - on the iconic 1971 Led Zeppelin IV record has long been shrouded in mystery. This week, I'll be diving into the story behind one of the most iconic album covers in the history of classic rock: "Led Zeppelin IV." I first heard about the cover's origin in rock journalist Brad Tolinski's book, "Light and Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page." Auction Identifies Man on Cover of 'Led Zeppelin IV' Dukes Auctions/Atlantic Records. His image is familiar to millions, iconic to a generation of rock fans and a 52-year mystery finally qDkm3Qs.