Sketch
Object number2013.101.17
Artist
Mervin Allen Corning
(1926 - 2006)
Date1996
MediumTracing paper, pencil
Credit LineGift of Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
DescriptionTall, rectangular piece of tracing paper with a pencil sketch of two right-facing football players: one wearing the number "5" with proper right leg raised in a kicking stance and one wearing the number "41" in a crouched holding position. Upsidedown at the top of the page is a sketch of a left-facing football player wearing the number "18" and in a running pose with both arms raised up and bent in front of his face with a football just between his hands.Dimensions11 x 5.562 in. (27.9 x 14.1 cm)SignedArtist's stamp on the front reads "PENCIL SKETCH BY / MERV CORNING / (signature) M Corning".
InscriptionsTo the left of the kicking player is an "X".
Sketch of two right-facing football players has one wearing the number "5" and one wearing the number "41".
Upsidedown at the top of the page is a sketch of a left-facing football player wearing the number "18".
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
