1916-27 Walter Johnson Washington Senators "The Sporting News Collection Archives" 4.5" x 6.5" Original Illustration Art (Sporting News Collection Hologram/MEARS Photo LOA) Unique 1:1

Measures 4.5" x 6.5". Hall of Fame hurler Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators is depited in this original illustration art. Sporting News Hologram. (E0406)

"The Sporting News" newspaper provided its readers with original illustration art, made popular by the Sunday "funnies" and columnist like Robert Ripley with his "Believe it or Not" weekly feature. Original artwork allowed the staff of TSN to quickly address a great moment in sports or highlight the accomplishments of a player and to personalize the piece to the event. With the flexibility awarded to the artist's imagination, illustration art is more time relevant than the company’s dated photographic stock. By the nature of the process, the images and events depicted in this form of original artwork were more special in nature than what appeared in photographic form. Meaning, these items are rare, special, and one of a kind works of art used to commemorate a very special player and event. Most of this unique artwork was published in the pages of TSN, although we cannot guarantee that fact. We do not believe this to be "proof" or unpublished art, as it originated from the files used in the creation of the publication. Published artwork sells for a premium, and this lot will create an opportunity for the studious collector than can match work to a specific issue.

Similar to photography in its importance to the newspaper, illustration art is even rarer than the photographic images selected to appear within the pages of TSN. Each illustration is hand inked by a staff or commissioned artist. The likenesses are dead-on, and should be considered mini-masterpieces. Each item is from the collection of "The Sporting News" archives and is verified by the official "The Sporting News Hologram," located on the reverse.

(MEARS Auction LOA~SB)