Behold the We Won statue. This bronze masterpiece stands proudly in Centennial Park. It’s more than just a statue. It’s a window into Sydney’s past a testament to a time when sport and satire intertwined.
Sculpted by the renowned Tommaso Sani in 1893 We Won depicts a footballer. Sani was a controversial figure known for his naturalistic style and satirical approach. His work often contrasted with the classical styles preferred by his contemporaries. This statue is no exception.
The footballer himself is life-sized. He wears the attire of a typical footballer from that era a woollen cap sweater and tight knee-length trousers. But look closely. His face is remarkably serene almost angelic. It’s a Neoclassical face. A stark contrast to the rugged image of a footballer. This juxtaposition is typical of Sani’s work a blending of realism and idealism.
Now let’s examine the pedestal. It’s cylindrical and adorned with high-relief panels. Eight scenes of a football match are etched onto the bronze. The players aren’t muscular men as you might expect. Instead they’re hordes of tiny putti. This is another of Sani’s witty touches.
Four large female cherubs separate the scenes. Each cherub adds to the playful mockery of the grand occasion. One trumpets the start of the match another records the score. A third calls the spectators’ attention. Finally a victorious cherub stands adorned with the lion-skin of Hercules. This is pure satire. It’s a playful commentary on the seriousness of the game.
The whole thing sits atop a granite base supported by eight small seated lions. This complex structure elevates the statue. It gives it a sense of importance and magnificence. We Won is not merely a statue of a sportsman. It is a complex artwork that is full of clever details. It’s a commentary on society and the human condition.
Commissioned by Henry Parkes We Won is more than just a sporting trophy. It’s a symbol of a new generation a virile native-born Australia. Parkes saw it as an expression of victory a testament to his political triumphs. Even though he insisted on no personal monuments We Won became his lasting legacy. It’s a clever mix of art and politics. A unique and memorable piece of Sydney’s history. A story told not in words but in bronze.