Auction Item Details
Lot 535
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 535
Description: Exceptional Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig large format original photograph by Louis Van Oeyen c.1920-30s (PSA/DNA Type II). The offered image represents one of only a scant few examples of a masterful photograph captured by noted baseball photographer Louis Van Oeyen. With the offered copy included, it is documented that three such original images of this size variant are known to exist. The photograph is regarded by many advanced collectors as one of the finest works by Van Oeyen along with his early 20th century portraiture of Cobb and the famed 1911 Addie Joss Day All-Star team photograph. The black and white photograph measures an impressive 11"x14" with perfect composition picturing Gehrig seated alongside of Ruth as taken before the 1927 World Series. Each player wears a Yankees road uniform and holds respective hats and a bat. The image appears to have almost perfectly captured the two sluggers enjoying a candid moment of rest, and while seemingly posed, it is more likely that crafty Van Oeyen simply seized a moment. The reverse of the photo bears the period stamping, "Photo by L. Van Oeyen Cleveland, O" along with a period fountain pen notation, "July 1927 L to R Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth". The notation appears to be in Van Oeyen's hand based on comparisons with other documented exemplars. Overall condition is superb with exacting clarity and rich original contrast having only some minute surface wrinkling in a few areas mentioned for accuracy only. The photo includes a detailed three page analysis report from noted photographic conservator Paul Messier confirming the silver gelatin original image and its printing on photographic paper consistent with the 1920-30s era based on a 1% grass content within the paper. Additionally, a secondary report from Microtrace is included which placed the paper dating to the 1930s period with no grass content within the tested areas of the paper. This advanced testing was executed in an abundance of caution to properly date the image with respect to its original printing. It is also to be understood that although the Microtrace report did not find grass presence indicative of a pre 1930 printing it is certainly possible (and confirmed with Microtrace) that it is in fact present in a trace quantity and therefore could in fact coincide with the Messier findings. In either dating scenario, this masterful original image stands as one of the great rarities as created by Van Oeyen. With regard to composition, clarity, contrast, photographer, and rare size format, the offered image must be acknowledged as one of the finest original photographs of Ruth and Gehrig extant. Includes LOA from PSA/DNA (Type II): NMEstimated Price Range: ($25,000-$50,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register