Sketch
Object number2013.101.28
Artist
Mervin Allen Corning
(1926 - 2006)
Date1996
MediumTracing paper, pencil
Credit LineGift of Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
DescriptionSmall, rectangular piece of tracing paper with a pencil sketch of a commemorative piece. Across the top has two years. Outlined in the center are two large male figures, a building, an award and a Pitt football helmet. They are flanked by seven outlines of football players. Across the bottom is text with commemorative information. Sketched along the right side is year. In block lettering on the reverse in the top left corner is year.Dimensions4.25 x 6.812 in. (10.8 x 17.3 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the front reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsAcross the top reads "1976 and "1996" with a "7" overlayed on the second 9.
Across the bottom reads: "PENN PANTHERS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 20TH ANNIVERSARY".
Sketched along the right side is "1976".
In block lettering on the reverse in the top left corner is "1996".
On the right of the stamp at the bottom reads "BWB" and on the left reads "WBW".
Historical NotesMerv Corning drew a picture of a school bus for his mother after his first day of school, inaugurating a long, successful art career. He joined the merchant marines at age 17, then worked as an illustrator and later as an art director for an advertising agency. Some of his early subjects and work were focused on aviation and automobiles. The NFL first hired him in 1966-1967, the relationship would last more than 30 years, with Merv contracted as the League's official Super Bowl artist in 1977. He liked to capture the game as it could be seen up close - with realism and some subtle drama.
Related institution
University of Pittsburgh
Related institution
Pittsburgh Panthers
Previous owner
Arthur Joseph Rooney Jr.
On View
Not on view
