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Muhammad Ali/Andy Warhol Adidas Prototype Shoes

Lot Number 486
Quantity: 1  Bid Starts: 09/19/2011 12:00:00 
Bid Open: 250.00  Bid Ends: 09/28/2011 23:30:00 
Bid Count: 2  Overtime: 30 Minutes
Currently: 275.00  Time Left: Ended
View Count: 904   
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Description
Simultaneously championing both his own pop art endeavor and that of a black superhero transcending all counterparts, Andy Warhol captured ring hero Muhammad Ali in a 1977 painting. Limited to a 2005 production of just 500, Warhol's composition was screened on "Adidas" boxing boots. Offered is one such pair. These pristine blue leather size "7-1/2" footwear items showcase Warhol's colorful portrait of Ali on the outer side of each. Unworn with original manufacturer's tags, this pair is a unique collectible representing both American culture and athletic supremacy.

Depicting the pugilist in the days after he had become the first fighter to claim Heavyweight Champion bragging rights for a third time, Warhol employed shades of red, black and green which, not coincidentally, mirrored hues of the Pan-African flag. Warhol's works were commanding the tune of $25,000 at the time, prompting Ali to state in a later interview:"Look at me! White people gonna pay twenty-five thousand dollars for my picture! This little Negro from Kentucky couldn't buy a fifteen hundred-dollar motorcycle a few years ago and now they pay twenty-five thousand dollars for my picture!"

 
 
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