Description
This is a rare and captivating original etching by artist E.B. Rothwell, titled "Game of the Century." The piece serves as a sophisticated artistic homage to the legendary 1956 chess match between a 13-year-old Bobby Fischer and Donald Byrne.
Rothwell masterfully reimagines the chessboard as an Egyptian tomb painting. The white pieces are depicted as King Akhenaten, Queen Nefertiti, and their retinue, while the black pieces are portrayed as King Tutankhamun and his court. The central focus captures the exact moment of Fischer's historic move #17 (Knight to K3).
Item Details:
Artist: E.B. Rothwell
Edition: Limited Edition 61/75
Dimensions: 22" x 14"
Condition: Excellent overall condition.
Inclusions: Includes the original descriptive insert detailing the chess moves and the artist's certificate from Woodbury Graphic Studio.
A must-have for serious chess enthusiasts, history buffs, or collectors of unique mid-century graphic art.
Tags
E.B. Rothwell Art, Bobby Fischer, Game of the Century, Chess Etching, Limited Edition, Egyptian Revival, Woodbury Graphic, Signed Print, Chess Collector, Akhenaten Art, King Tut Decor, Rare Chess Art, 1956 Chess Match, Graphic Studio, Fine Art Etching
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: The etching is in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting high structural integrity and exceptional visual clarity. It has been well-preserved, likely kept in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.
Detailed Observations
Paper & Substrate: The heavy-gauge art paper remains bright with no evidence of "mat burn" (yellowing at the edges from acidic framing) or foxing (brown age spots). The paper is flat with no waving, cockling, or water damage.
Image Integrity: The etched lines are crisp and deep. There is no evidence of fading or ink loss. The contrast between the "figure" and "ground""”a hallmark of Rothwell's style"”remains sharp.
Margins & Plate Mark: The plate indentation (the "dent" from the zinc plate being pressed into the paper) is distinct and clean, confirming its authenticity as a hand-pulled etching. The margins are wide, clean, and free of tears, pinholes, or adhesive residue.
Signature & Numbering: The artist's signature ("E.B. Rothwell"), the title ("Game of the Century"), and the edition number ("61/75") are clearly legible in original pencil.
Documentation: Includes the original Woodbury Graphic Studio Certificate of Authenticity and the Move/History insert, both of which are in crisp, clean condition.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Etching
International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Rothwell masterfully reimagines the chessboard as an Egyptian tomb painting. The white pieces are depicted as King Akhenaten, Queen Nefertiti, and their retinue, while the black pieces are portrayed as King Tutankhamun and his court. The central focus captures the exact moment of Fischer's historic move #17 (Knight to K3).
Item Details:
Artist: E.B. Rothwell
Edition: Limited Edition 61/75
Dimensions: 22" x 14"
Condition: Excellent overall condition.
Inclusions: Includes the original descriptive insert detailing the chess moves and the artist's certificate from Woodbury Graphic Studio.
A must-have for serious chess enthusiasts, history buffs, or collectors of unique mid-century graphic art.
Tags
E.B. Rothwell Art, Bobby Fischer, Game of the Century, Chess Etching, Limited Edition, Egyptian Revival, Woodbury Graphic, Signed Print, Chess Collector, Akhenaten Art, King Tut Decor, Rare Chess Art, 1956 Chess Match, Graphic Studio, Fine Art Etching
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: The etching is in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting high structural integrity and exceptional visual clarity. It has been well-preserved, likely kept in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.
Detailed Observations
Paper & Substrate: The heavy-gauge art paper remains bright with no evidence of "mat burn" (yellowing at the edges from acidic framing) or foxing (brown age spots). The paper is flat with no waving, cockling, or water damage.
Image Integrity: The etched lines are crisp and deep. There is no evidence of fading or ink loss. The contrast between the "figure" and "ground""”a hallmark of Rothwell's style"”remains sharp.
Margins & Plate Mark: The plate indentation (the "dent" from the zinc plate being pressed into the paper) is distinct and clean, confirming its authenticity as a hand-pulled etching. The margins are wide, clean, and free of tears, pinholes, or adhesive residue.
Signature & Numbering: The artist's signature ("E.B. Rothwell"), the title ("Game of the Century"), and the edition number ("61/75") are clearly legible in original pencil.
Documentation: Includes the original Woodbury Graphic Studio Certificate of Authenticity and the Move/History insert, both of which are in crisp, clean condition.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Etching
International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; The etching is in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting high structural integrity and exceptional visual clarity. It has been well-preserved, likely kept in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.
Detailed Observations
Paper & Substrate: The heavy-gauge art paper remains bright with no evidence of "mat burn" (yellowing at the edges from acidic framing) or foxing (brown age spots). The paper is flat with no waving, cockling, or water damage.
Image Integrity: The etched lines are crisp and deep. There is no evidence of fading or ink loss. The contrast between the "figure" and "ground"—a hallmark of Rothwell's style—remains sharp.
Margins & Plate Mark: The plate indentation (the "dent" from the zinc plate being pressed into the paper) is distinct and clean, confirming its authenticity as a hand-pulled etching. The margins are wide, clean, and free of tears, pinholes, or adhesive residue.
Signature & Numbering: The artist's signature ("E.B. Rothwell"), the title ("Game of the Century"), and the edition number ("61/75") are clearly legible in original pencil.
Documentation: Includes the original Woodbury Graphic Studio Certificate of Authenticity and the Move/History insert, both of which are in crisp, clean condition.
Detailed Observations
Paper & Substrate: The heavy-gauge art paper remains bright with no evidence of "mat burn" (yellowing at the edges from acidic framing) or foxing (brown age spots). The paper is flat with no waving, cockling, or water damage.
Image Integrity: The etched lines are crisp and deep. There is no evidence of fading or ink loss. The contrast between the "figure" and "ground"—a hallmark of Rothwell's style—remains sharp.
Margins & Plate Mark: The plate indentation (the "dent" from the zinc plate being pressed into the paper) is distinct and clean, confirming its authenticity as a hand-pulled etching. The margins are wide, clean, and free of tears, pinholes, or adhesive residue.
Signature & Numbering: The artist's signature ("E.B. Rothwell"), the title ("Game of the Century"), and the edition number ("61/75") are clearly legible in original pencil.
Documentation: Includes the original Woodbury Graphic Studio Certificate of Authenticity and the Move/History insert, both of which are in crisp, clean condition.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
22 x 14 x 1 in
1950s E.B. Rothwell "Game of the Century" Signed Etching 61/75 Bobby Fischer Chess
Estimate $160-$490
Starting Price
$65
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Summer House Style I
Jul 03, 2026 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
TOP

































