Sketch
Object number2013.101.2
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 of three football players across the center. Player on left is standing slightly crouched with knees bent and does not have a lot of detail. Player in center is in a similar position with more detail and wearing a "59" jersey. Player on the right is detailed and wearing the number "31" and is in a leaping pose with a football below his proper left arm.Dimensions6.25 x 10.756 in. (15.9 x 27.3 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the back reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsIn pencil at the top "X * X (59)".
Player in center is wearing a "59" jersey.
Player on the right is wearing the number "31".
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 1966-67, 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.
Previous owner
Arthur Joseph Rooney Jr.
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