Sketch
Object number2013.101.25
Artist
Mervin Allen Corning
(1926 - 2006)
Date1996
MediumTracing paper, pencil
Credit LineGift of Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
DescriptionRectangular piece of tracing paper with pencil sketch inside a rectangular box that consists of two dates across the top, a group of football players in various poses on both the right and left sides, and text across the bottom with commemorative information.Dimensions12.5 x 17.875 in. (31.8 x 45.4 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the front reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
Inscriptions"1976" and "1996" across the top and text across the bottom reads: "UNIVERSITY of PITTSBURGH NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 1976".
Written in pencil at the top is "STAN" and "CAR PHONE / 305 - 773 3771".
Three wavy lines in the top right corner that look like "MM".
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
