Exceptional 1894 Temple Cup Print. Nineteeth century baseball's artistic equivalent of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, th...

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Exceptional 1894 Temple Cup Print. Nineteeth century baseball's artistic equivalent of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the magnificent and vast expanse of this piece must be seen in person to fully appreciate. Mere text or catalog imagery cannot suffice. In stirring shades of black and white, lilthographer Hy Sandham captures the action of this meeting between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Giants in the first annual post-season Championship series known as the Temple Cup, a precursor to the modern World Series. Elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen fill the grandstands surrounding the diamond where a Giants baserunner is breaking for second. A runner on third anxiously awaits the pitch to a right-handed batter at the plate. From the ragged state of the infield grass to the abbreviated crouch of the catcher to the netting that protects the fans directly behind home plate, the work is a feast of period detail. Just as thrilling are the forty-four small individual photographic portraits of players and executives that frame the larger image at top and bottom. Among those pictured: John Mongomery Ward, George Wright, Albert Spalding, Frank Selee, John Brush, Hugh Duffy, Cy Young, Wilbert Robinson, Charles Comiskey, Ed Delahanty, Adrian "Cap" Anson, Roger Connor, Amos Rusie and George Davis. The print is constructed of mid-weight card stock and exhibits some wear at the edges from ancient framing, leaving the image area itself mercifully free of all but light and inconsequential toning. While autograph authentication would be impossible, a pencil signature at lower left appears to be that of the artist, suggesting that this may have been given to a special recipient, as the few known examples are unsigned. Dimensions are 31x44".