A Football Game, New York Giants vs. Baltimore Colts
Artist
Frank McCarthy
(American, 1924 - 2002)
Date1958
Mediumtempera on board
Dimensions17 x 25 in.
ClassificationsTempera
Credit LineGift of Richard Hallenbake
Object number2005.154LIC
DescriptionInspired by the illustrations of N.C. Wyeth(1882-1945), McCarthy strove for truth in his work through accurate details in the portrayal of an event. "A Football Game, New York Giants vs. Baltimore Colts" depicts the NFL championship game that took place on December 28, 1958 at Yankee stadium and was the first NFL playoff game to go into sudden death overtime. It is widely known as the "Greatest Game Ever Played" and marked the beginning of the NFL's popularity surge. McCarthy's work exudes the intensity of the game, as every player seems to be balancing on one foot in a moment of intense drama. Depicted up close to the picture plane, the diagonal of players from the top left to the bottom right of the work creates a strong sense of movement, and the players in their vibrantly colored uniforms stand out against the stadium crowd. This dynamic work highlights the veracity and action McCarthy strove to represent.Among the most persistent patrons of illustrators were commercial ventures such as Ballantine Beer. For many artists, these commissions garnered nation-wide viewers.
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