August 2001 > Sports > Peter Pocklington Collection
< previous lot |  next lot >
Lot 1404: The Great Gretzky Original Painting by LeRoy Neiman (1981)
ITEM DESCRIPTION
|
||||||||||||
Masterpiece is a stunning acrylic on masonite and the finest piece of sports art we have ever offered for sale. The subject is the great one himself: Wayne Gretzky. This one and only original is absolutely stunning. The painting itself measures a magnificent 50” and overall 60” with the original Neiman frame.
Best known for his brilliantly colored, rousing images of energetic sporting events and athletes, LeRoy Neiman is probably the most popular living artist in the United States. He stands alone as beloved by millions of people throughout North America and around the world. The Great Gretzky is the definitive artistic interpretation of hockey’s defining superstar. This image captures the essence, movement and grace of Gretzky in vivid tones of blue, red and a myriad of graphic color. This original masterwork by LeRoy Neiman has remained in the collection of Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington since its 1981 creation. The piece will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity signed by Mr. Pocklington.
This was the basis for the popular edition of 359 total serigraphs, which now commonly sell for $5,000+ each. Top galleries sell Neiman originals for tens of thousands of dollars. Pieces of this size, format and medium traditionally sell in the $50,000-100,000 range. Add to the fact that this is an important Neiman work of a pantheon athlete and it becomes nearly priceless. Neiman's of this importance rarely if ever come up for public sale.
BIDDING
| The bidding for this lot has ended. |