Lot # 1530: 1960s Robert Riger Baltimore Colts Original Illustrations (3) with Johnny Unitas

Here’s a bell ringer for sure! Acclaimed sports artist Robert Riger brought fans into the action with his intense illustrations, photographs and cinematography. Presented for your collecting pleasure are three of Riger’s original 1960s Baltimore Colts illustrations, housed in two museum-quality matching frames.

Beginning with its first year of publication in 1954, Sports Illustrated ran more than 1,200 of Riger’s illustrations through the years. His work also appeared in the Saturday Evening Post, Esquire, and other leading publications and his art was certainly familiar to 20th century readers. Among Riger’s many inspired renderings was a spread in the January 15, 1959 issue of SI, featuring the Colts and the New York Giants in the 1958 NFL Championship Game.

The illustrations offered here are reminiscent of his classic 1959 SI layout, with Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas at the center of the action. The illustrations bear editorial marks, with cropping indicators on the two larger pieces, and blue pencil notations on the smaller one. All three of these original works present handsomely, as do the nicely preserved frames. Truly a magnificent offering worthy of great praise, this artwork trio demands serious attention.

Featured are:

22-1/2 x 11-1/2” Unitas passing play illustration, in a 30-1/2” x 19-1/2” silver frame, with coordinated Colts blue matting. Riger has signed this piece at bottom-right. Mounted on the opposite side of this display, in a 20” x 9” illustration, with Unitas under center, awaiting the snap.

7” x 13” Taped-up hand holding a Colts helmet illustration, in a 13-1/2” x 19” frame. Seen at bottom-right, is a “P.72” editorial notation.

The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.

Frames included with lots: While we make every effort to protect the frames included in these lots during pre-auction storage and post-auction shipping, we are not responsible for any damage to the frames themselves, and no refunds will be given due to frame damage.