This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Considered one of the leading African-American painters and well known for his unique style of elongation and movement, the late Ernie Barnes was also a football player, actor and author. He is the first
professional athlete to become a noted artist. Several of his pieces of art hung in the prestigious San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park.
This lot features a 22” wide by 18” high oil on canvas painting by Barnes entitled “Dressing Room.” A college lineman who went on to play pulling guard for the New York Titans, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos in the old AFL, Barnes’s familiarity with football and his personal visits to the trainer’s room gave him a unique perspective for this painting. It depicts four players in all, one getting his ankle taped by a conscientious trainer and three more players awaiting their turn. All are seemingly preparing for battle before a game. Barnes was quoted as saying: “I have tried, in my art, to re-embody all of the elements of the game in order to inject strength and the spirit of the men who play the game.”
Numerous artists have been influenced by Barnes' art and unique style.
This original painting, which has been perfectly placed inside a black frame, measures 27” wide by 23” high in its full presentation and is ready to be
proudly displayed inside any institution or anyone’s home. Barnes signed the painting in white paint in the lower right corner.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.