Ferrari 312T, Monaco, Niki Lauda 1975 by Jim Bisignano

Recalling his racing career, Formula One legend and three-time world champion Niki Lauda called his 1975 season, the 'Miracle Year'. The first four races of that year passed without a win for Lauda, but the fifth, at Monaco changed all that. 

He won the pole by 0.69 seconds and although the race began in a downpour, Lauda led every lap save one, when he pitted for dry tires as conditions improved. Monaco began Lauda's march that led four months later to his first world championship; one of two he would win for Ferrari.

Jim Bisignano has chosen a moment at Monaco when Lauda is hurtling through the tunnel under the Fairmont Hotel. Anyone who has seen the race is familiar with this landmark, even though it lacks a specific title like so many of the race's famous corners. Bisignano's use of extreme perspective gives the viewer a sense of being pulled into a vortex of speed, while his choice of muted tones reflect the overcast atmosphere of the day. 

Because the 312T is flashing past, Bisignano employed more detail than usual in describing the engine bay, suspension, transmission cooler, and exhausts. Again, the painting is a lovely depiction of a triumphal racing moment, delivered by a master of his medium. The painting is framed with mottled gray, featuring a linen overmatte. The artwork measures 22 1/2 x 12 inches, with the frame measuring 32 x 21 1/2 inches.