#11245 Robert Delaunay (1885-1941)

The composition presents a fragmented view of a sporting event, seemingly a rugby match, set against a backdrop that blends urban and recreational elements. The artist has employed a fractured perspective, characteristic of early modern art movements, where planes intersect and overlap, disrupting traditional spatial coherence.
Here we see several figures engaged in the game; their forms are simplified and stylized, rendered with broad brushstrokes and limited detail. They appear almost as geometric shapes within the overall design, emphasizing movement and energy rather than individual identity. One figure stands prominently in the center, raising his arms and holding an oval object – likely a ball – above his head, suggesting a moment of triumph or exertion.
The background is equally fragmented. A Ferris wheel dominates the right side, its circular form echoing the shape of the ball and contributing to the overall sense of dynamism. To the left, a large sign bearing the word ASTRA in bold lettering is visible, alongside another advertisement for “DELAUNAY - PARIS.” These commercial elements suggest an urban setting, possibly a fairground or public space where the game is taking place. The color palette is dominated by yellows, greens, and whites, punctuated by darker tones that create contrast and visual interest.
The painting’s subtexts appear to revolve around themes of modernity, spectacle, and the intersection of sport, commerce, and leisure. The fractured perspective and stylized figures reflect a shift away from traditional representational art towards abstraction, mirroring the rapid changes occurring in society at the time. The inclusion of advertising suggests an awareness of consumer culture and its influence on public life. The depiction of a sporting event implies a celebration of physical prowess and collective experience, while the fragmented composition hints at the complexities and uncertainties of modern existence. Overall, the work conveys a sense of energy, dynamism, and a fascination with the visual language of contemporary urban life.