College Crews

This artwork by Edward Penfield, titled "College Crews," is a color illustration that represents college athletes from various prestigious universities, particularly their rowing teams. It was created in 1908 and effectively captures the spirit and rivalry of collegiate rowing a century ago.The illustration features a total of nine rowers, each represented in a uniform distinctive to their respective colleges. The rowers are holding oars that match the colors and emblems of their schools. From left to right on the top row, the colleges represented are Yale, Harvard, and Princeton. The middle row features Annapolis (likely referring to the U.S. Naval Academy), Cornell, University of Pennsylvania (labeled as U of P), and Columbia. On the bottom row are representatives from the University of Wisconsin, Georgetown, and Syracuse.Each athlete stands against a plain background, emphasizing their athletic build and the details of their sportswear and equipment. The oars likewise are depicted with the school’s colors and insignias, further highlighting their affiliation. The style is straightforward with clean lines and flat, bold colors—a characteristic of Edward Penfield's illustrative technique which is often associated with the poster art movement of that era.Overall, "College Crews" not only celebrates the athleticism and competitive spirit of university sports but also serves as a fascinating historical document, showcasing the early 20th-century collegiate uniforms and representation in art.