Object number2009.85.1
Artist
Dennis Karchner
Date2009
MediumPaper; Ink
Credit LineGift of Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
DescriptionGiclee print . Print features white border with color depiction of a football player on a green grass field with gold goalpost, trees, and mountains in background. Nickel is wearing black football jersey with a gold player number on front; kneeling on proper right knee; wearing gold pants with grass stain on proper left knee; wearing black cleats. Holding football, with maker and name of football printed on it, in proper left hand. Handwritten on print in bottom left corner on grass in black marker is edition number; also in bottom left corner in white border is artwork's commissioner's initials. Artist copyright and signature in white in bottom right quadrant to the right of the sitter’s rear foot.Dimensions24 x 18.875 in. (61 x 47.9 cm)SignedArtist's signature in white in bottom right quadrant to the right of the sitter’s rear foot "© KARCHNER 2009 / KARCHNER".
InscriptionsNickel wears black football jersey with a gold number "81" on front.
Nickel is holding football, with text "Wilson / "THE DUKE" " printed on it, in proper left hand.
MarksHandwritten on print in bottom left corner on grass in black marker "5/6"; also in bottom left corner in white border "aJR".
Historical NotesPoster featuring Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Elbie Nickel. Commissioned by Arthur J. Rooney, Jr. Dennis Karchner is a native Pittsburgher and graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, who now resides in Florida. View his original artwork: http://www.karchnerwesternart.com/steel.htm Elbie Nickel was named the Steelers' best tight end when they picked their 50th anniversary team in 1982. He played for the Steelers from 1947 through 1957, served as their captain, was voted their MVP and made three Pro Bowl teams. His team record of 62 receptions in 1953 stood for 16 years. His 329 career receptions was a team record until Lynn Swann surpassed it. Nickel died in 2007 of Alzheimer's disease near his home in Chillicothe, Ohio. He was 84.
Related person
Elbert Everett Nickel
(1922 - 2007)
Related institution
Pittsburgh Steelers
On View
Not on view
