August 6, 2020: Summer Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/6/2020
Presented is a stunning early 1970s large prototype advertisement for Seagram’s liquor featuring the instantly recognizable artwork of Gary Thomas, entitled “The Running Backs.” The massive lithograph (36-by-24 inches) is affixed to a white cardboard mount for backing that measures 36-by-26 ¾ inches, with lettering across the top of the backing that states, “Seagram’s Seven Crowns of Sports.” The colorful lithograph, printed on heavily textured art board, depicts seven “action vignettes” of legendary NFL ball carriers: Jim Brown (at the center), encircled clockwise by Marion Motley, Gayle Sayers, Leroy Kelly, Bobby Mitchell, Jim Taylor and Lenny Moore. The lithograph, thought to be the only one known, is incredibly rare and, from commentary by Thomas himself, might well be a prototype for an advertising campaign that never came to fruition; the original artwork was depicted on Thomas’ website, where he explained it was produced in 1971 (litho has a 1972 copyright) for a proposed Seagram’s project in a series of three that would have also included quarterbacks and linebackers. Thomas notes that the selection of the seven running backs reflected his personal choices; at the time not all of his picks were in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but they are now. Thomas is well-known and highly regarded among collectors and NFL fans for his work with the Hall of Fame, most notably with his action drawings that accompany the Hall of Famer busts in Canton and in his popular Goal Line Art Cards, which picture every inductee and are a coveted item for autograph seekers. The cardboard mount reveals light-to-moderate edge wear and displays in Excellent condition.
1972 Seagram's "The Running Backs" Prototype 26x36 Advertising Art
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