This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Babe Ruth is not just known as the Sultan of Swing. He was also the Commisar of Commercialism. Back when the Babe was rewriting baseball history and making himself a pop culture icon more recognizable than the president, no face was seen on billboards and in magazine ads as much as the Bambino. His baby face alone could persuade the buying public to crave whatever he endorsed. This original color over painting on a black background of Ruth for a Raleigh Cigarette ad in the 1930s uses Ruth's lovable teddy bear features and neon smile to draw attention to the Raleigh Cigarette that the Babe is guiding into his mouth. While this image no doubt moved a lot of cigarettes, it evokes a sad irony since Ruth's heavy use of tobacco caused the mouth and throat cancer that would kill him in 1948. The prime quality of the painting is Ruth's boundless personality and lust for life. The illustration, which is in excellent condition, measures 23" x 29" and is mounted under glass in a larger 29" x 37" gold and brown tiered frame.