Laurence Stephen Lowry was a British artist painting around the second World War who was known for his sketchy renderings of “matchstick men”. This intriguing painting from 1949 entitled, “The Football Match” in considered a modern masterpiece by collectors. It recently sold at Christie’s for $9.2 million, twice as much as it was expected to go for, and also twice as much as any other Lowry painting.
Why all the excitement over this large format landscape? Critics say it encapsulates the spirit of the town gathered for an afternoon of sport in Lowry’s own indelibly unique way. The subdued color palette shows an extensive view of Manchester, in which the center of activity is the match. The tiny “matchstick” figures huddled together en masse give the audience a sense of the camaraderie. Lowry’s point of view is inimitable and expertly rendered. Let’s see how much this sale drives up the value of his other paintings!