Artwork
Shane Williams
Shane Williams is an oil painting by the Contemporary Realist artist David Griffiths. It dates from 2019 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.
About this work
Overview
David Griffiths’ 2019 oil portrait captures former Welsh rugby player Shane Williams seated on a wooden bench. The work is part of the National Library of Wales collection and presents the athlete in full kit, accompanied by a rugby ball.
Subject & Meaning
Williams is shown in his distinctive red and white uniform, complete with a red jersey, white shorts bearing a red logo, red socks and yellow cleats placed beside him. The composition emphasizes his identity as a rugby figure, while the inclusion of personal items such as a numbered black bag and a hanging jacket hints at his off‑field presence.
Technique & Style
Griffiths employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, using strong contrasts of light and shadow that give the bench and clothing a three‑dimensional quality. The muted gray wall behind the subject serves as a neutral backdrop, allowing the vivid reds and whites of the kit to dominate the visual field.
History & Provenance
Created in 2019, the portrait entered the holdings of the National Library of Wales shortly after its completion. It remains in the library’s visual arts collection, where it is accessible for research and public viewing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Oil painter David Griffiths made life-size portraits of everyday people in his native Wales, using thick, visible brushstrokes to catch light and texture.
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