Sketch
Object number2013.101.3
Artist
Mervin Allen Corning
(1926 - 2006)
Date1996
MediumTracing paper, pencil
Credit LineGift of Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
DescriptionSquare piece of tracing paper with pencil sketch of a football player in the center. Player is wearing the number "81" and in a running pose with both arms bent upward toward his face, about to catch a football in his hands.Dimensions6.125 x 5.375 in. (15.6 x 13.7 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the back reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsPencil at top "(81) Corbett".
Player is wearing the number "81".
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 1966-67, 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.
Previous owner
Arthur Joseph Rooney Jr.
Related person
Jim Corbett
On View
Not on view
