It is hard to think of any sporting event or personality since the 1960s and not envision artist’s LeRoy Neiman’s version of it. Neiman’s bold, colorful, expressionistic style captured the explosive athleticism of Ali, Namath, Doctor J, Palmer and of course, Mantle. Though Neiman is remembered today by his lush color oil paintings, the artist first captured the public’s attention with his gestural “en plein air” action portraits done in pen, ink, pencil and pastel. Published in national magazines such as Playboy, these are the pieces that made LeRoy Neiman the preeminent sports artist of his day. This outstanding example is one of his earlier “en plein air” drawings, capturing Yankees legend Mickey Mantle in the midst of his follow through at Yankee Stadium in 1967. Neiman’s athletically gestural lines were the perfect way to reflect the energy and excitement of a Mickey Mantle at-bat. Executed in ink, pencil and pastel, this is a LeRoy Neiman original, not a print or serigraph reprint. The triple play of LeRoy Neiman, Mickey Mantle and rare original combine to make this one of the most sought after pieces of sports art. The drawing measures 12 x 14 Inches and shows light toning from age that serves to enhance to visual beauty of this original piece.
Note: The print is not signed by Mr. Mantle. It is signed by the artist, Mr. Neiman and the "subject" Mickey Mantle is noted.
Originally sourced from Sotheby's and has resided within the Al Tapper Collection ever since.
Estimate: $75,000+