Winter Auction 2016 Closing January 30th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2016
LeRoy Neiman's semi-abstract brand of artwork is among the hobby's most desired, and the master craftsman's endeavor to portray a celebrated pugilist has produced this "must have" illustration. Offered is a pastel portrait sketch that pays tribute not only to boxer Jerry Cooney, but also to its composer, renowned sports artist and lithographer LeRoy Neiman (1921-2012). Inspired by Cooney's August 22, 1979 knockout of Broderick Mason, the significant rendition is accompanied by Neiman's own Felt Forum "Ringside Working Press" ticket stub for the bout. "Gentleman" Jerry Cooney's visage has been drawn at the top-right portion of Neiman's art, and a ghost of his torso appears at the upper left. The stub is attached in the piece's lower left corner, and this memento is surrounded by penciled notations in the artist's hand. (These name the protagonist, describe the fight's outcome, and even record an admiring comment about Cooney's style: "swings like Dave Kingman.") Finally, the large and distinct pencil signature of the artist, "LeRoy Neiman," occupies the drawing's lower-right corner. This thought-provoking work of art is not only signed by LeRoy Neiman himself, but it depicts, in impressive fashion, one of the most popular boxers of his era. Expensively double-matted and framed.