November 14, 2019: Sports & Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/14/2019
This serigraph pays tribute to Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals, who hit 70 home runs during the 1998 baseball season, shattering the previous record of 61 held by the legendary Roger Maris. It is signed by McGwire in pencil on the bottom left of the print, with a "70" next to his name. The bottom center has "19/509" written on it, and LeRoy Neiman has signed the bottom right corner in pencil. The framed piece measures 36 1/2 x 52". Neiman said this after creating this piece of art: "McGwire is shown just after clouting another home run. His massive chest, arms and hands fill the center of the image, and his sharp eyes are following the ball as it rockets out of the stadium. Reds and pinks convey his tremendous health and strength. The golden background is meant to suggest something of his character, which is so honest, generous, positive and confident...I did the painting over a period of time between his 55th and 70th home runs. Working on the painting while following his unbelievable progress every day in the newspapers and on TV was very different and exciting for me. I think that helped to make a print that is very energetic and powerful."
Mark McGwire Signed LeRoy Neiman Serigraph in Frame (19/509)
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