Sidney Nolan ,the famous Australian painter has an iconic painting called the ” Footballer ” (1946) on display at the Ian Potter Centre of the NGV .
Painted whilst Nolan lived in St Kilda it is believed to be of 1940s St Kilda legend Keith Miller .
Nolan, who died in 1992 , is no longer able to confirm of deny this.
The attendance by Nolan at the footy and his choice of subject matter prove that footy appeals to many even the artistic intelligentsia .
Nolan’s work is globally respected and highly valued . His Kelly series of paintings are legendary .
AFL football as depicted in this 1940’s piece proves it was a popular spectator sport even then .
Have a look at this great painting and see the early aussie rules player in his striped jumper , jersey , guernsey .
