WESTERN LAWN TENNIS TOURNAMENT / KENWOOD COUNTRY CLUB. 1896.
28¼x19½ inches, 71¾x49½ cm. Condition A-: minor creases and abrasions in image; colors slightly attenuated.
The Kenwood Country Club was founded in 1894 and opened just one year later on a 20 acre plot of land that was owned by Marshall Field, the department store magnate. In 1896, the club, comprising 12 courts - clay and lawn - was chosen to host a prominent 8-day long national tennis tournament. Depicting fashion, architecture, perspective and sport, this is one of Penfield's most impressive posters. It is likely the first American tennis poster promoting a tournament.
Sportissimo p. 73, L'Affiche Tennis (11), Le Tennis A l'Affiche np, The Met 2002.223.15.
