The world of art has seen many movements ever since humankind first started to represent images drawn from life, history, and myth in two dimensions.
Many of these have been labeled as cubism, impressionism, and postmodernism. However, one category that has defied labelling is sports. Yes, there are examples of sporting activity within specific genres, but, as a whole, it has remained label-less.
There are many reasons why many artists have chosen to depict sporting scenes. Firstly, action is an exciting event to try and capture, particularly when the participants are fine physical specimens at the peak of their powers. Sports are also communal activities, so images can try to capture something of the society of the time.
A mention must also be given to sportspeople who have been moved to put brush to canvas. For example, since he was a college footballer at Penn State, linebacker Ayron Maybin has been a keen artist who even majored in integrative arts, and today his paintings change hands for $20,000 and above. At least we won’t be betting on his college football odds based on the art he is creating, anytime soon!
Then there is the eccentric English cricketer Jack Russell, who took advantage of the inevitable periods of inactivity in the notoriously slow game to paint pictures of the grounds his team was playing in.
As for other key artworks in the sporting canon, here are eight of real note.
The Football Match by L.S. Lowry, date unknown
L.S. Lowry became famous for his matchstick men and women depicted in life scenes in northern England. However, he also sought out the leisure activities enjoyed by the people, and The Football Match was a prime example of this. It perfectly catches a moment in the game when the ball is in the air near the goalmouth – leaving the viewer to speculate what will happen next.
The Dynamism of a Soccer Player by Umberto Boccioni, 1913
The Italian futurist school embraced the modern world with its increasing interest in speed, mechanisation, and action. Boccioni, considered by many to be the greatest of the futurists, turned his attention to depicting the frenetic energy of a single player in action. It’s an explosion of motion and color that is as far as it could be from figurative art.
The Champion of Single Sculls by Thomas Eakins, 1871
Although painted in the late 19th century, this could depict a modern-day scene equally well. The sculler is sitting motionless in a boat, perhaps in a moment of quiet reflection or relaxation. Most remarkably, there’s no indication why this particular oarsman should have been awarded the champion title.
At the Velodrome by Jean Metzinger, 1912
Among the new mechanical developments that excited artists leading up to the First World War, the newly invented sport of speed cycling around indoor velodromes was especially popular. Metzinger uses all of the tropes and techniques of cubism to combine rider and machine into a single speeding entity that passes the viewer as they watch.
Muhammed Ali by Andy Warhol, 1978
The undisputed king of pop art meets the world’s undisputed heavyweight champion. Warhol may have been as unsporty as possible, but he knew how to capture the iconic images of the age. From Marilyn Monroe to the humble Campbell’s soup can, his images burned themselves into the consciousness. So what better subject than the age’s most celebrated boxer?
Long Jumper by The Winchester Painter, circa 510 BC
In Ancient Greece, athleticism was highly admired as an attribute. After all, the country gave us the very first Olympics. In the Long Jumper, we see a heavily muscled youth holding the weights used in training for the event. Its clean lines and monochromatic color scheme are typical of the time.
Croquet Scene by Winslow Homer, 1866
Winslow Homer was particularly fond of painting outdoor activities, particularly when they depicted the higher echelons of society at leisure. In this painting, women and men enjoy that quintessential game of refinement, croquet. This also showed that the participants were up-to-date with the latest trends, as the game had only been introduced a few years earlier.
Tennis Girl by Hamilton King, 1913
It’s hard to believe today, but at a time before the dangers of smoking were fully recognized, cigarette packets were famous for the cards they contained, painted by renowned artists. One of these was Hamilton King, who produced a series featuring glamorous women playing sport. The player in question seems charming and carefree as she prepares to deliver a killer forehand down the line.
Of course, there are countless other sporting works of art to appreciate. But these really are the gold medal winners of all time.
It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. I hope she’ll be a fool — that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world.
Anna Freehill, a key contributor to Avant Garde Artistry Hub, plays a vital role in shaping the platform’s vision. As an author and collaborator, she helps bridge the worlds of art and technology, offering insightful articles that guide artists through the rapidly evolving creative landscape. Anna’s dedication to highlighting art's therapeutic value has contributed to the platform’s focus on mental and emotional well-being through creative expression.
Her involvement in building Avant Garde Artistry Hub has been instrumental in providing valuable resources to artists seeking to enhance their careers. Whether through her writing on business strategies or her support in platform development, Anna is committed to fostering a space where artists can thrive and embrace the future of art.