'The Football Match' French School (Early-Mid 20th C.)

'The Football Match', oil on board, French School (early-mid 20th century). This is a thrilling goalmouth scene, captured at the very moment of action. The goalkeeper leaps to catch or punch away the ball, as the attacker who has just struck it flies through the air before him and a third player crouches beyond the post, ready to pounce on any rebound. Behind them, a packed stadium crowd is suggested in quick dabs of paint, with pennant flags in red and yellow fluttering above the stands. The painter has dressed every player in brilliant white, choosing drama and light over the strict rules of the game. This piece is compelling for its sheer energy. The figures are drawn with bold black contours and thick strokes of white paint, simplified almost to their essentials, so that the eye reads movement before detail. Its beauty lies in its spontaneity. The painting may date from as early as the 1930s, when football first drew vast crowds to stadiums across Europe, though its style and the players’ kit suggest the post-war decades. Either way, it captures the drama and passion of the beautiful game with real verve. The gallery acquired the painting in Avignon from a dealer based in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It has since received a light cleaning and conservation treatment, and it is in good overall condition, with some slight, characterful signs of age. Please enjoy the photos accompanying this listing. The artwork is unsigned. It has been newly framed with a linen slip. Upon request, a video will be provided. A wonderful piece for the football enthusiast, the study, or any room in need of a jolt of colour and movement.

Dimensions with Frame:

H 36.3 cm / 14.3"

W 45.4 cm / 17.9"

Dimensions without Frame:

H 23.2 cm / 9.1"

W 32.2 cm / 12.7"