Sketch
Object number2013.101.21
Artist
Mervin Allen Corning
(1926 - 2006)
Date1996
MediumTracing paper, pencil
Credit LineGift of Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
DescriptionSquare piece of tracing paper with a pencil sketch of the Heisman Trophy award that consists of a right-facing football player leaning forward in a running pose with proper right arm and palm extended out while cradling a football in his proper left arm. Figure is on a angled, rectangular base with a plaque. Horizontally across the center of the paper is half of a football-shaped award that appears to have been partially erased. Toward the bottom left is a sketch of an eagle inside of an incomplete rectangle.Dimensions8.375 x 8.312 in. (21.3 x 21.1 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the front reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsReadable text on trophy plaque: "THE HEISMAN MEMORIAL TROPHY / ... / ... / ANTHONY DREW DORSETT / UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH / ...".
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.
Related person
Anthony Drew Dorsett
(born 1954)
Terms
On View
Not on view
