Football Player 1913

This is J.C. Leyendecker's, Football Player, painted sometime in the early 20th century, I'm guessing with oil on canvas or board. Look at how the brushstrokes are laid down like confident slaps. The red of the jersey is built up with layers of different hues, creating depth and movement. It's all about the process, the doing, the adding and subtracting. The paint is relatively thin, allowing Leyendecker to create smooth transitions and subtle gradations of color. You can almost feel the texture of the fabric, the way it clings to the body. Look at the lace-up detailing of the trousers, and the way the white jacket is painted with elegant, sweeping strokes. Leyendecker was a master of his craft, up there with Sargent, and this piece really speaks to the ongoing conversation between artists across time. It's a reminder that art is never truly finished, but rather a continuous exploration and exchange of ideas.