The artwork, titled “Popeye (Stainless)”, created by Jeff Koons between 2009 and 2011, is a sculpture composed of steel and belongs to the Neo-Pop Art movement.
The artwork exemplifies Koons’ renowned use of stainless steel, a medium through which he achieves a highly reflective and vibrant surface, creating a striking, larger-than-life rendering of the iconic cartoon character, Popeye. This sculpture showcases Popeye in a dynamic pose, flexing his muscular arm while holding a can of spinach, highlighting both his strength and the humorous, heroic aura associated with the classic character. The highly polished and colorful finish, characteristic of Koons’ style, encapsulates the playful and ironic sensibilities of Neo-Pop Art. Set on a solid white base, the artwork stands out vividly against the subdued background, emphasizing its bold and whimsical nature.