“Pele No. 1” is a portrait by Elaine de Kooning from 1982, created in the Expressionist art movement style. As an expressionist portrait, it captures the essence and emotion of the subject rather than striving for photographic realism.
In the portrait, one can observe a male figure, presumably depicted as football legend Pelé given the title. The painting features a loose, vigorous brushwork that adds dynamism to the composition. The use of bold, expressive lines and the distortion of form for emotional effect are characteristic of the Expressionist movement. The choice of colors is vibrant yet not overly saturated, creating a sense of depth and complexity in the face of the subject. The background is abstracted with streaks of yellows and greens which suggests an outdoor setting, possibly alluding to a football field or the Brazilian landscape, connecting it to Pelé’s heritage and career. The eyes of the subject are particularly detailed, suggesting an intensity and focus, which might be referencing his spirit and concentration on the field. The brushstrokes give a textured look to the surfaces, and the composition overall conveys a sense of immediacy and intensity, aligning with the energetic style of de Kooning’s expressionist approach.
