This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/17/2023
Original Hand Drawn Sketch of Joe Namath Created by Neiman in 1969 Shortly After Namath's Historic Super Bowl III Victory!
For nearly half a century, LeRoy Neiman has enjoyed the distinction of being the most famous practitioner in the sports art genre, but his 2012 passing only served to intensify interest in his work, further strengthening his already red-hot market. It is not uncommon to see six-figure sales of his unmistakable impressionistic style. Absent is any sign that this trend is leveling off, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by those collectors with an eye toward investment potential.
Though he captured all manner of sporting competition on land and sea, traveling the world in pursuit of athletic excellence, Neiman was a true New Yorker at heart and his Big Apple subjects are widely considered his most desirable. Here we encounter just such a piece, a marvelous study of the man who captivated American sports on January 12, 1969 when he made good on his promise to defeat the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. It's likely that this pen and ink drawing derives from that historic afternoon in Miami.
The presented piece was drafted by the master artist himself on an approximately 11" x 17" white art sheet in black ink, showcasing Namath in drop-back form. The drawing is beautifully matted to total dimensions of 22" x 26". Neiman signs the work at lower right, adding the historic "'69" vintage, and Joe Namath himself has signed in the lower left with a full "Joe Willie Namath #12" pencil autograph. A truly impressive sports masterpiece of the highest order. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).