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Large 1950 Joe Louis Oil Painting by Wilson
Joe Louis, the Brown Bomber, won the World Heavyweight Title from Jimmy Braddock in Chicago on June 22, 1937. He held that title for eleven years, longer than any man in modern boxing history. He successfully defended his title 26 times stopping 22 of his opponents in the process. Louis retired on March 1, 1949 and relinquished his title at that time. He would launch an unsuccessful comeback a year later as a result of his mounting tax problems. Joe Louis is not only remembered as a great fighter, but also as a great American. During World War II he donated purses to the war effort and boxed in numerous exhibitions to entertain the troops. He is the man sports writer Jimmy Cannon once said, "Joe Louis is a credit to his race, the human race". Offered here is a spectacular oil painting of Joe Louis done by the artist Charleston Wilson in 1950. This oil on canvas pictures Joe Louis in his prime in full fight pose flanked on either side by head shots of his various opponents. The likenesses of Louis and the other fighters are remarkable. The artist captures the dominance of Joe Louis over each of these men with their images almost in clouds behind him. Many of the opponents were part of the group named aptly by sportswriters of the time, "The Bum of the Month". There are 22 of Louis’ opponents in the painting including: Red Burman, Abe Simon, Tony Musto, Jack Roper, Arturo Godoy, Tommy Farr, Lou Nova, Bob Pastor, Buddy Baer, Tony Galento, Max Schmeling, Nathan Mann, Gus Dorazio, John Henry Lewis, Jimmy Braddock, Johnny Paycheck, Al McCoy, Billy Conn, Harry Thomas, Tami Mauriello, Jersey Joe Walcott and Johnny Davis. This beautiful painting shows its age with a magnificent patina. There are a few very minor chips which do not detract from the beauty of this work in any way. The painting measures 30 x 54”, and has been professionally framed to 34 x 59.” Jim Jacobs purchased the painting from the artist in 1978 and acquired all rights to its reproduction. The winning bidder along with the acquisition of this wonderful piece of art will acquire those rights as well. This is most certainly the finest piece of art relating to Joe Louis we have offered at public sale.
Past Sports Card, Memorabilia, Non-Sports Card and Collecitble Auction Items
Other past auction items that may be of interest to you.
1892 John L. Sullivan vs. James J. Corbett Full Ticket
1937 Joe Louis vs. Jim Braddock I Full Ticket
1936 Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling I Full Ticket
1903 James J. Corbett vs. James J. Jeffries Full Ticket
1915 Jack Johnson vs. Jess Willard Full Ticket
1905 Marvin Hart vs. Jack Root Full Ticket
1916 Jess Willard vs. Frank Moran Full Ticket
