Legendary April 2009
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
4/30/2009
"Gentleman" Jim Corbett became the first Heavyweight Champion of the modern era by defeating John L. Sullivan in the first ever gloved title bout on September 7, 1892. Dated that very year is this oil-on-canvas artwork picturing the history making boxer/Vaudeville performer. More than 100 years old, this still-brilliant painting captures the pioneering pugilist—by many accounts "the best pucker for science"—with his arms folded and posing for the artist's careful eye. To be sure, the painter spared no effort in composing this colorful rendition, and evidence of his meticulous approach is plainly visible in the details of the athlete's countenance. Crazing is present throughout the work, but the more-than-century-old heirloom remains an aesthetic beauty. It is also important to note the size of the significant painting, as it boasts an "oversized" visible area that measures to 26-1/2" x 34-1/4 overall dimensions. Housed within a 32-1/4" x 39-1/2" wood frame, the artwork bears an inscription on its reverse that reads, "April 9, 1907 repaired."
1892 "Gentleman" Jim Corbett Oil-on-Canvas Original Painting - From the Year He Won the Heavyweight Championship!
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