Inspired by everyone from Leonardo da Vinci to Jackson Pollock, LeRoy Neiman’s paintings possess a significance and appeal that is far-reaching. In his own words, Neiman’s objective was always “to investigate life’s social strata from the workingman to the multimillionaire.”

Alive with incomparable brilliance and covering a tremendous array of subjects, Neiman, regardless of focus, had the uncanny ability to render action and emotion, unlike any American artist in the second half of the 20th century. This amazing quality is ever so apparent in his sports depictions.

Neiman’s relationship with sports defined his artistic career for many, with his multitudinous works capturing some of the most important and memorable moments in sports history. From being the official artist at five Olympiads and the NFL’s Superbowl to the America’s Cup and the Kentucky Derby, LeRoy’s unmistakable artistic gifts have been tied to some of our nation’s greatest sporting events.

One such event took place on October 30, 1974 in the country of Zaire ­­– the aptly named “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match between boxing greats Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The spectacle was the first of its kind to be telecast live from the African country, which required the building of an entire telecommunications infrastructure from the ground up in mere months.

The arrival of the competitors in the capital city of Kinshasa mid-year sent a wave of excitement across the globe. Both Ali and Foreman trained tirelessly to become acclimated to the tropical climate and were followed constantly by media and the citizenry of Zaire who were completely mesmerized by the powerful athletes. It was Ali’s famed quick wit and personableness that won over the people, and he quickly became the favorite to win the bout, as evidenced by the chants of "Ali, bomaye!" ("Ali, kill him!") that followed the legend wherever he went.

The vast majority of the boxing world believed Foreman would be the obvious winner. Even Howard Cosell had stated, "The time may have come to say goodbye to Muhammad Ali, because, very honestly, I don't believe he can beat George Foreman." Needless to say, Ali proved Cosell and the world wrong. In a fantastical display of speed and skill, with a barrage of hard, fast jabs and ingenious “rope-a-dope” strategy of tiring Foreman throughout the match, Ali defeated Foreman in the 8th round by knock out.

It is this clash of boxing titans that Neiman captures so eloquently in this painting entitled Rumble in the Jungle. In a majestic display of movement and excitement, the artist composes a mosaic of sorts, focusing upon some of the most pivotal moments in the match. The determination in Ali’s eyes, the power of every punch, the spattering sweat as Ali’s gloves make contact with Foreman – every element of this work pays tribute to both the victor and the defeated – two boxing legends that gave their all in one of the greatest sporting matches in history.

The match cemented Ali's status as truly "the greatest of all time,” with Foreman later stating “Ali is the greatest man I've ever known. Not greatest boxer that's too small for him. He had a gift. He's not pretty he's beautiful. Everything America should be, Muhammad Ali is."

Neiman so poignantly captures Ali in his prime in this explosive painting. To find such a powerful work of art, capturing a historic moment as it unfolded and composed by one of the most respected artists of the 20th century, is nothing short of spectacular.

About M.S. Rau Antiques:
M.S. Rau Antiques has spent over 100 years earning the trust of discerning collectors worldwide. Located in the heart of New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, our peerless showroom houses one of the world’s most extensive and stunning collections of museum-quality fine art by artists such as  Claude Monet and William Bouguereau, 18th- and 19th-century antiques, and breathtaking jewelry, including rare colored diamonds.