Lot 96
Two Peter Max Original TV Guide Cover Artworks
Two original painted works of art featuring a football player. Created for and reproduced on the cover of TV Guide, February 26, 1992. Both Framed. Height: 21 inches x 15 inches.
For millions of American homes from the 1950s through the 1990s, the most popular weekly magazine was TV Guide. Long before television scheduling regularly appeared in daily newspapers, TV Guide was what one looked to to plan an evening of viewing. Of course, TV Guide was far more than simply a series of lists, but rather a book that gave hints of what the increasing array of television programming had in store for the family that viewed together.
In the world of illustration, nothing is more prestigious to an illustrator than a “cover” story. Readers may skim through a magazine, missing half of the articles, photographs and illustrations, but they never miss the cover. Indeed, a large percentage of the public that may never purchase a given publication still is aware of its cover art by virtue of seeing the publication at a newstand, check-out counter or any of the many other places such magazines are sold.
By combining the unprecedented popularity of TV Guide with the importance of the cover illustration, the significance of the following offering begins to surface. Add to the mix the fact that TV Guide’s art directors, knowning the importance of the covers, opted for the very finest illustrators suited to each respective assignment. Accordingly, the following original artwork for TV Guide covers is “the best of the best of the best!”
Peter Max emerged on the American art scene in the 1960s... his vivid images speaking for a generation. These paintings capture the essence of football through his ability to capture a moment articulated by color. When TV Guide's art directors hired Max, it was uncertain what the background color for the art would be. Accordingly the artist created two works for the art directors to choose from obviously they chose the painting with the blue background. Fortunately for the successful bidder of this lot, both paintings are included.
Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000