Victor Trumper, Iconic Cricket Photograph

Victor Trumper, 'Jumping out for a straight drive', superb half-tone offset lithographic print of Trumper in full flight, by the photographer, George W. Beldam, with the signature of Trumper in the lower margin at right. Published by The Swan Electric Engraving Company, London, 1st August 1905, image 38 x 30 cm, overall 55 x 52 cm. Window mounted, rare and most attractive. This iconic image is arguably the most famous photograph in the history of cricket. Victor Thomas Trumper (1877 - 1915) was known as the most stylish and versatile batsman of the Golden Age of cricket, capable of playing a match-winning innings on a wet wicket his contemporaries found unplayable. Archie MacLaren said of him, 'Compared to Victor I was a cab-horse to a Derby winner'. Trumper's most remarkable Test season was played in England in 1902. It was one of the wettest summers on record, yet Trumper in 53 innings scored 2570 runs, and without a single not out had an average of 48.49. Harry Altham wrote: 'From start to finish of the season, on every sort of wicket, against every sort of bowling, Trumper entranced the eye, inspired his side, demoralized his enemies, and made run-getting appear the easiest thing in the world.', Trumper's health declined rapidly in 1914 and he died as a result of Bright's disease in Sydney, in June 1915, aged 37. He was buried at Waverley Cemetery after the largest funeral procession ever seen in Sydney (with 20,000 mourners lining the route) and was survived by his wife Sarah, his son Victor and daughter Nancy. Trumper was also a key figure in the foundation of Rugby League in Australia.