Rose Wylie

This painting of a soccer game is characterized by the players’ dynamism and movement. The second figure from the right with the green gloves is goalie Jens Lehmann. Next to him is the Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho. Rose Wylie is interested in his distinctive ponytail, which bobs in synch with his movements, giving him a unique dynamism. In the painting, Wylie depicts Ronaldinho’s signature move of deflecting the ball to skilfully outwit his opponents. The players wear yellow training jerseys that are not specific to any one team. 

On the one hand, the theme of soccer relates to the art historical tradition of depicting modern sporting life, as in the work of Edgar Degas. On the other, athletes are an important part of popular culture. By taking up this theme, Rose Wylie creates several direct points of reference for her viewers.