Super Bowl VI 1972

LeRoy Neiman captured this image of Super Bowl VI with paint, using an action-packed, colorful style. Flags wave from the top tier of the stadium, a motif used since ancient times to signify territory or triumph. Here, these flags are not merely national or heraldic symbols; rather, they mark the boundary of collective emotion, the fervor of the crowd spilling onto the field. These symbols resonate with ancient Roman banners, echoing the pride and the ecstasy of victory, even frenzy, from the ancient circus. Consider the raised arms, not just of players but of spectators, a gesture dating back to antiquity, signifying reverence, victory, and surrender alike. This primal expression transcends the football field, linking to ancient rites and communal dances where bodies in unison express deep-seated emotions. It taps into our collective memory. The game becomes a stage for ancient dramas, where heroes clash and symbols intertwine, each brushstroke echoing primal human drives and age-old symbols of triumph and unity.