About the Art

2000 Serigraph. Image size 25 1/2" x 38". Limited edition of 300 numbered impressions, 60AP, 8PP, signed by the artist.

Knoedler Publishing's November, 2000 release is LeRoy Neiman's limited edition serigraph "Defending Victory - 1946". The serigraph depicts the historic final play of the 1946 Army-Navy football game.

With Army leading 21-18, Navy was on the Army 10-yard line with time for just one last play. Navy gave the ball to its top running back, Lynn Chewning. But Army, led by the great All American, Barney Poole, closed ranks and the cadets gang-tackled Chewning just short of the goal line. Army won the game, its third consecutive National Championship, and preserved a 3-year undefeated war-time record.

Artist's Commentary

The artist says: "This print shows the greatest defensive play from the greatest rivalry in all of football. We have a bird's eye view of the field. The print is democratic, showing both Army and Navy players piled up and scattered about. Nevertheless, Army won the game, so most of Army players are shown to great advantage while the Navy players are sprawled all over the field. The numbers on the players' uniforms are accurate. A frieze along the bottom shows Army cadets in their seasonal greatcoats, cheering the great play and tossing their hats in the air. The painting is a tribute to Army defense, not only on the football field but also in its larger mission throughout the world."

Artist Biography

LeRoy Neiman was born on June 8, 1921, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He became one of America's most popular contemporary artists, known for his vibrantly colored, motion-filled images of sporting events and leisure activities. Neiman's career took off when he began working for Playboy Magazine, creating illustrations for a feature called "Man At His Leisure". He gained widespread recognition as the official artist for five Olympic Games.

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