Sketch
Object number2013.101.24
Artist
Mervin Allen Corning
(1926 - 2006)
Date1996
MediumTracing paper, pencil
Credit LineGift of Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
DescriptionRectangular piece of tracing paper with pencil writing consisting of two lines of the scores of four football games played by Pitt and one date of a bowl game played by Pitt. Light sketching to the left of the scores and a few curved pencil marks toward the top right.Dimensions7.125 x 15.875 in. (18.1 x 40.3 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the front reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsHandwritten in pencil “PITT 37 – ARMY 7 PITT 24 – WEST VIRGINIA 16 PITT 24 – PENN STATE 7 / JANUARY 1 1977 SUGAR BOWL PITT 27 – GEORGIA 3”.
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 institution
Army University
Related institution
West Virginia University
Related institution
Pennsylvania State University
Related institution
University of Georgia
Terms
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