Opening Day Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2014
Christy Mathewson is one of the greatest pitchers ever, and was extremely popular in the early days of baseball. A few years into Mathewson’s career, a young photographer named Charles Conlan was a proofreader at the New York Telegram when he began shooting pictures as a hobby. At the prompting of an editor, he started to frequent baseball stadiums and snapping photos of the games stars. Soon, Conlan filled the pages of the Telegram, as well as prestigious baseball publications including the Sporting News and the Spalding Guide, with evocative, intimate portraits. In 1904 Conlan took his first player portrait, christening his lens with “The Big Six” Christy Mathewson. Due to Christy’s stature and proximity to the New York Telegraph offices, a naturally superb combination was presented and Mathewson became Conlan’s most photographed subject. This 4.75” x 7.75” Mathewson was taken in 1913, nearing the end of Matty’s superb career. On the verso is a penciled notation in Conlan’s own hand which reads, "No. 6, 1913 First appearance of crow's feet under the eyes. Years on the pitching slab under burning sun beginning to tell." There is also the desirable “CHARLES M. CONLAN Evening Telegram New York” stamp. Each corner exhibits corner mount residue from prior usage, and the photo a few inconsequential crinkles. A great photo of one of the game’s greatest pitchers, and authenticated by PSA/DNA as a c.1910s Type 1 image, one taken by the famous photographer, Charles M. Conlan with Conlon's script on the reverse represents clear cut provenance conclusively placing this exact photo in Conlon's studio, and in Conlon's very own hands. PSA/DNA, Type 1 Original Photo, cert number 1P04861. LOA from PSA/DNA, verifying the notation is in Conlan’s hand.