A Perfect Pitch: Ernie Barnes’ Baseball Player Portrait
Singers. Athletes. Musicians. Ernie Barnes captured them all in his paintings featuring his highly distinctive elongated characters, many of which have grabbed the attention of the art world and beyond this year with their record-setting prices.
This week, Hindman is pleased to offer Ernie Barnes’ Untitled (The Stare) (lot 50; estimate: $80,000 – $120,000), a quintessential example of the artist’s work, and a glimpse at why Barnes has shined at auction this year. While only recently skyrocketing to international recognition, Barnes’ reputation as a multi-talented artist who drew inspiration from numerous areas of life – sports, performing arts and church to name just a few – has always set him apart. From the dance floor to the pew, or in this case, the ballfield, Barnes’ compelling depictions of everyday life never fail to win over fans.
“Untitled (The Stare) is renaissance man Ernie Barnes throwing 100 mph, straight painterly gas,” shared Zack Wirsum, Hindman’s Director and Senior Specialist for Post-War & Contemporary Art. “This striking stylized portrait of an elongated and powerful pitcher delivers all the Neo Mannerist heat you could ask for.”
The present work will be offered in Hindman’s September 28th Post-War & Contemporary Art auction.