Beschreibung:

LeRoy Neiman American, 1921-2012 Ice Men, 1967 Signed Leroy Neiman dated 67 and inscribed Madison Square Garden (lr), signed Leroy Neiman dated 1966 and inscribed N.Y Rangers vs. Chicago Blackhawks / Mad. Sq. Garden, N.Y. on the reverse Oil on Masonite 36 x 48 inches (91.44 x 121.92 cm) Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by Bill Shea, Jr. Bill Shea, Sr. Thence by descent and bequest to Shea family members This work was purchased in 1967 directly from Mr. Neiman off the wall at the legendary Al Schacht's Steakhouse at 102 East 52nd Street by William Shea, Jr. as a gift for his father, William "Bill" Shea, Sr. to hang in his office at his law firm at 330 Madison Avenue. It has been owned and cared for by the Shea Family ever since. Bill Shea, Sr. was born in the Bronx and graduated from Georgetown University and the Georgetown Law Center in Washington, D.C. in 1931. A co-founder of the iconic, politically powerful New York law firm of Shea & Gould, he was a sports enthusiast and a philanthropist, particularly as a benefactor to New York City. He is best known for being a counselor to New York City's mayors and other power elite, along with the vast majority of New York professional sports teams, and as one of the patriarchs of modern-day Major League Baseball through the creation and promotion of the Continental League. This last project culminated in the founding of the New York Mets Major League Baseball franchise and thirteen other expansion teams that now compete in the Major Leagues. In honor of his efforts for baseball expansion, the William A. Shea Honorary Stadium (better known simply as Shea Stadium) was christened in 1964 and served as the home to the New York Mets for 45 years; the New York Jets National Football League franchise for 20 years; and the New York Yankees and the New York Giants for one year each. It was also the venue of countless concerts and civic, religious and charitable events. Mr. Shea was also integral to the establishment of the New York Jets, the New York Islanders National Hockey League franchise, and the New York Nets National Basketball Association franchise in New York. In addition, he served as a trusted advisor to the owners of the New York Giants National Football League franchise and the New York Rangers - depicted in this work - for many years. This painting, and Mr. Shea, are truly treasures of the art world, the sporting world, and New York City. C