James Lumbers Art Appraisal

Signed Limited Edition Print: 'The Dream Begins' by James Lumbers (Joe Montana)

This item is a framed limited edition print titled "The Dream Begins" by artist James Lumbers, depicting legendary NFL quarterback Joe Montana in his San Francisco 49ers uniform, dropping back to pass. The print portrays a youthful Joe Montana wearing jersey number 16, with a football in his hands, against a backdrop of a football field and what appears to be an autumnal landscape with large trees. In the background, other indistinct figures, presumably football players, can be seen, suggesting a game in progress or practice. The artistry of Lumbers is evident in the detailed rendering of Montana's uniform, capturing the red jersey with white and gold accents, his helmet, and the texture of the football. The print is presented within a white matting, which is bordered by a thin red line, and then a wider red border, all encased in a frame not fully visible but suggested by the edges. A notable feature is the clear signature of Joe Montana, subtly placed in the upper left quadrant of the print, and the artist's signature, James Lumbers, visible towards the bottom left, alongside the print's title "The Dream Begins". The overall condition appears to be very good with no obvious signs of significant damage such as tears, creases, or water marks, though a closer inspection would be needed to ascertain the exact state of the print and frame. The quality of the reproduction suggests a fine art print process, likely an offset lithograph or giclée. The estimated age would be from the period of Joe Montana's active playing career, likely 1980s or early 1990s, when he was in his prime with the 49ers. The double signature by both the sports icon and the renowned artist makes this a unique and collectible piece of sports art.