Sketch
Object number2013.101.22
Artist
Mervin Allen Corning
(1926 - 2006)
Date1996
MediumTracing paper, pencil
Credit LineGift of Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
DescriptionRectangular piece of tracing paper with pencil sketches of five football players in various action poses. From left to right: figure on the far left is wearing the number "70" and is in a right-facing running pose. Next player is in a left-facing, horizontal, leaping position with a football between his hands. Next player is in a stanging, crouched position with both arms out in front of his chest with his palms slightly raised. Next player is in a standing position with weight shifted to one leg and holding a football against his chest with both hands. Figure on the right is in a vertical leaping position with left leg on the ground and right in the air and left arm raised up above his head.Dimensions7.812 x 11.75 in. (19.8 x 29.8 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the front reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsFigure on the far left is wearing the number "70".
At the top toward the right corner is written: "Call...S Z... / 7770"
Above the first figure on the left is written: "HOLLOWAY".
Above the third figure from the left is written: "BRZOZA".
Above the fourth figure from the left is written: "CAVANAUGH".
Above the fifth figure from the left id written: "ROMANO".
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
Matt Cavanaugh
Related person
Tom Brzoza
Related person
Al Romano
On View
Not on view
