Original oil on canvas by noted American illustrator Edgar Franklin Wittmack (1894-1956). The painting depicts a young man holding a tennis racket, while a tennis match in progress can be seen in the background. Signed and dated by the artist in the lower left corner: "Edgar Franklin Wittmack/1922." Wittmack was a prolific illustration artist during the 1920s and 1930s, with his works appearing in numerous well-known publications, including the Saturday Evening Post (for which he painted many covers), Popular Science, and Outdoor Life, as well as various pulps. While we do not know for what purpose this artwork was created, it might have been a cover piece for a tennis magazine, or an interior illustration for a piece of tennis fiction. Regardless, it is one of the earliest original tennis paintings we have ever seen and the fact that it was created by an artist of Wittmack's stature makes it all the more significant. The artwork (21 x 20.5") remains in Excellent to Mint condition. Framed to total dimensions of 23x31.5" Please Note: The size and/or weight of this lot will necessitate an increased shipping charge.