Robert Delaunay, Runners

   Sports is an interesting subject for artists because it usually involves moving subjects. At the close of the 19th century and into the 20th, artists were experimenting with new ways to express themselves and show movement.  Cubism and futurism were two of them and both are combined in this Robert Delaunay (1885-1941) painting, simply titled: Runners. It is an oil on canvas and can be found at Musee D'Art Moderne, Troyes, France.  Between 1920-27 he painted this subject several times, each one quite different from the other, and I could not find the exact date for this painting or it's dimensions.
   We do not know if Delaunay used photographs to create this image, but it is very possible he did. In early photograph it was necessary for subjects to remain still for the duration of the time the aperture was open exposing the film.  So, a photo taken of moving figures, could blurred faces, just as Delaunay has done in this painting.
  I find this painting very appealing and almost realistic.  The curving lines of the track establish the exact spot as the runners move out after rounding the track curve.  Notice parallel arms and legs and how the feet are almost nonexistent as the moving legs simply end.  Obviously Delaunay loved color as he has handsomely arranged a wide and bright palette. 
  A summer sports event for a snowy, cold December day here at my location.   I hope it brightens your day, wherever you are.
  Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. charguthDecember 6, 2019 at 8:36 AM

    I like the cubist treatment of the runners. So unlike the intense sporting events of Bellows. The horizontal lines of their shirt colors contrast with the curved race track. Arms and legs are so interesting. I think theses runners are a bit "older"!! Could it be friends just running, not racing??
    They aren't wearing racing clothes.

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