Sketch
Object number2013.101.9
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 a football-shaped trophy on a rectangular base. To the left of the football is an artist's note with a sketch of laces below. Further down to the left is a sketch of a bridge with a small boat below.Dimensions8.5 x 10.875 in. (21.6 x 27.6 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the front reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsAround the laces on the football reads: "NATIONAL CHAMPIONS / 1976 / GRANTLAND RICE AWARD".
On the front of the award base text reads: " UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH / 19...76 / SELECTED BY THE / FOOTBALL WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA".
To the left of the football is written: "Need / info".
Asterisk in the bottom right corner of the paper.
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.
Related institution
University of Pittsburgh
Related institution
Pittsburgh Panthers
Related institution
Football Writers Association of America
On View
Not on view
