Summer Premier Auction 2014
Wed, Aug 6, 2014 08:00PM EDT - Sun, Aug 24, 2014 11:00AM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 259
1903 ORIGINAL ARTWORK FOR POSTER PAYING TRIBUTE TO "AMERICA'S GREATEST AMATEUR ATHLETE" WILLIAM B. CURTIS BY CHARLES J. DIEGES DONATED BY DIEGES & CLU
Sold for
$639.60
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
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| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
Original artwork from 1903 by artist Charles J. Dieges for a poster saluting the life and legacy of William B. Curtis. Curtis has been called "the father of American amateur athletics". For over 20 years from the 1850's through 1870's he competed for championships in gymnastics rowing weightlifting and sprinting. From 1853 through 1872 he did not lose a race in the 100 yard dash. He was a 3 time National Champion in the hammer throw. He was long considered one of the strongest men of his time. He was one of the founders of the New York Athletic Club the Chicago Athletic Club and the Amateur Athletic Union. For over almost a half century in all he promoted amateur athletics in this country. He died at age 63 after being caught in a snowstorm on Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. Top of artwork reads "AMERICA'S GREATEST AMATEUR ATHLETE". Centerpiece is a portrait of Curtis with his name below. Surrounding are a Greek statue Lady Liberty in mourning holding an American flag his burial place and the place he died all sorts of period athletic equipment "HE WAS A MAN - TAKE HIM FOR ALL IN ALL WE NE'ER SHALL LOOK UPON HIS LIKE AGAIN" and the New York Athletic Club logo. Lower left has his date and place of birth and death. Lower right signed "Chas. J. Dieges 1903". Metal plate at the bottom reads "PRESENTED TO HELMS ATHLETIC FOUNDATION BY DIEGES & CLUST". Poster measures 26" by 32"; overall dimensions are approximately 32" by 38". What appears to be a heavy period frame (3" wide) has some scratching and a pair of notches cut into the top and bottom. A very formidable piece of art!
Includes a Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.
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