Today, the top sports photographers of the last century are revered like artists, but in their own time they were just normal guys working a nine to five job and trying to make a living for their family. Still, there was something that set apart men like Charles Conlon, Francis Burke, and Louis Van Oeyen; they were better than the other guys. Whether it was talent or just a careful study of their craft over decades, the works of a select few early sports photographers are coveted in todays world of fine art, with this image of an early "Auto Polo" game by Louis Van Oeyen standing as a masterpiece or early sports imagery. Taken in the earliest days of action photography, Van Oeyen has somehow captured the speed of an auto race and the intricacy of a polo match with perfect precision. His handwritten note mentions this as an international match with the American team in lead and scoring a goal. Dated from September 9, 1913, the photo is stamped on the back and presents well with note to some pinholes from editorial use. Works by Van Oeyen are undervalued and this one is symbolic of his skill and presents beautifully!

Size: 7.5x9.25
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 9/10