Sketch
Object number2013.101.16
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 two right-facing football players. Player on the left is in a running pose and wearing the number "70" and his helmet has the team name. Player on the right is in a leaping pose with proper left arm and proper right leg raised and a football below his proper left hand.Dimensions8 x 7.375 in. (20.3 x 18.7 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the front reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsTo left of left player's hip is "X".
To left of right player's proper left thigh is an upward pointing arrow.
Player on the left is wearing the number "70" as well as a "Pitt" helmet.
Above the left player's head is "HOLLOWAY / TACKLE".
Above the right player's head is "JURY".
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
