Sketch

Object number2013.101.31

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 outlines of six football players in various action poses with the outline of an award on the left side. Lettering across the bottom is championship information and the scores to four football games.Dimensions13.187 x 12.625 in. (33.5 x 32.1 cm)
SignedArtist's stamp on the front reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsLettering across the bottom reads: "FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 1976 / PITT 24 - WEST VIRGINIA 16 PITT 24 - PENN STATE 7 PITT 37 - ARMY 7 / JAN 1 1977 SUGAR BOWL PITT 27 - GEORGIA 3".

At top right corner: "100 / 400 TRO"

Across the top above each player are stats that read from left to right:
"W / AL ROMANO M. GUARD / #91 6'3" 225";
"W / JIM CORBETT T.E. / #81 - 6'4 - 210";
"B / ARNIE WEATHERINGTON L.B. / #59 6:0 195";
"W / CARSON LONG-K / #5 5'11-203 / LARRY SWIDER-P / #41 6'3-190";
"B / ELLIOT WALKER FB / #34 5'11 -200".
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 West Virginia University

Related institution Pennsylvania State University

Related institution Army University

Related institution University of Georgia

Related person Al Romano

Related person Jim Corbett

Related person Arnie Weatherington

Related person Carson Long

Related person Elliot Walker