Eric Morecambe's Portrait of Muhammad Ali to Expect High Demand
Scoop on the Upcoming Eric Morecambe: Muhammad Ali Sketch Auction
Get ready for a fascinating fusion of comedy, art, and sports when an extraordinary half-length portrait of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, sketched by the legendary British comedian Eric Morecambe in 1978, goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers this July!
Known the world over as a cultural icon and one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali (a.k.a. "The Greatest") showcases his charisma and commanding presence in this captivating sketch. From 1974 to 1978, Ali held the undisputed world heavyweight title, leaving an indelible mark on the sporting world.
This unique piece will be part of Hansons' Four-Day Antiques & Collectors Auction kicking off on July 17. According to Hansons Auctioneers' owner, Charles Hanson, "This is a stunning sketch – a meeting of minds and heavyweights in their respective domains. Ali's legendary status as an athlete, humanitarian, and cultural trailblazer is undeniable. But what makes this piece so special is that it was brought to life by Eric Morecambe, a towering figure in the realm of comedy."
Eric Morecambe, a national treasure in his own right, was not only a comedy genius but also an underrated artist with an extraordinary flair for sketching high-profile personalities. This sketch encapsulates Muhammad Ali's personality wonderfully, an impressive feat considering the larger-than-life aura of the sports legend himself.
The artwork comes with the original Embankment Gallery label, confirming its inclusion in Brush With the Famous, an exhibition that took place on October 31, 1978. This adds an essential layer of provenance to the already significant piece.
Though Eric Morecambe's artistic talent was overshadowed by his comedy prowess, this sketch demonstrates his ability to capture likeness and presence seamlessly. As Charles Hanson notes, "This isn't just an artifact – it's a remarkable crossover between comedy, sport, and art that encapsulates the spirit of the 1970s and pays tribute to two exceptional figures who continue to captivate us."
Expected to fetch between £1,000 and £2,000 at auction, this sketch may end up punching well above its weight thanks to the shared fan base of Muhammad Ali and Eric Morecambe.
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- This extraordinary half-length portrait of Muhammad Ali, sketched by Eric Morecambe in 1978, is a must-have for any sports enthusiast or collector of memorabilia, showcasing the charisma and commanding presence of "The Greatest."
- If you're a fan of Muhammad Ali or Eric Morecambe, or simply appreciate the fusion of art and sports, this unique sketch is a remarkable crossover that encapsulates the spirit of the 1970s and makes for an intriguing piece of memorabilia.
