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Fedor Zakharov (b.1882)
Football by Fedor Ivanovich Zakharov

Circa 1912

About the Item

Signed in Cyrillic "F. Zakharov" (lower right) and signed again and inscribed "Fedor Zakharov/Football" (on reverse) Oil on card laid down on panel Undoubtedly, football, or soccer, as it is known in the United States, is the most beloved sport in the world, commanding the attention of billions of enthusiasts worldwide. However, the energy of its early days in the modern era has seldom been chosen as a subject for fine art. This thrilling, early painting by celebrated portraitist Fedor Ivanovich Zakharov, entitled Football, is one of a very few, if not the only known period painting, that captures the excitement of this international pastime. This colorful oil on canvas depicts a match between Russia and either Finland or Germany at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. Zakharov skillfully portrays the dynamic subject of the match at a pivotal point, carefully manipulating reflections, light and shadows to increase the intensity of the scene. In addition to its beauty, this oil on canvas is historically and culturally significant, as it captures an important event in the history of Russian football: the establishment of the Football Union of Russia. 1912 was also the first year that Russia joined FIFA, or the International Federation of Association Football, and sent a football team to the Olympics. In this sense, Football represents a significant step taken in the history of Russian sport, but also the country's emergence onto the world stage. This large oil was painted early in Zakharov's career, and depicts a subject matter that is most distinguished in his repertoire. Zakharov built a successful career as a portraitist, yet here, he turns his attention to a much more kinetic subject, at a significant moment in time both for the players and for the institution of Russian soccer. Football exhibits those elements that would come to distinguish Zakharov's work during the rest of his career, such as his adeptness at capturing light. In its energetic style, one can see evidence of its influence on the fast-paced future work of Leroy Neiman, who is known for his colorful sporting scenes, while its colors and brushstrokes call to mind Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist works, such as the tranquil Boating on the Seine by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Haying Time by Camille Pissarro. The painting also hints at a Mannerist influence, with the players' slightly elongated bodies caught in mid-movement. Football also distinguishes itself from earlier sporting paintings in its portrayal of human athletes, as opposed to the racing horses so favored by artists like John Frederick Herring, Sr. and Sir Alfred James Munnings.
  • Creator:
    Fedor Zakharov (b.1882) (1882-1967, Russian)
  • Creation Year:
    Circa 1912
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 37.88 in (96.22 cm)Width: 47.25 in (120.02 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Excellent.
  • Gallery Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 29-63961stDibs: G13050618612

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