Artwork

The Knock-Out

The Knock-Out, by Luc Albert Moreau, oil, 1927
The Knock-Out, by Luc Albert Moreau, oil, 1927

The Knock-Out is an oil painting by the Surrealist artist Luc Albert Moreau. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Luc Albert Moreau’s oil painting *The Knock‑Out* was completed in 1927. Executed in the language of surrealism, the work reflects the artist’s engagement with dream‑like imagery and unconventional composition. It is part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s permanent collection, where it is displayed alongside other early twentieth‑century European works.

Context

Moreau’s career intersected with several avant‑garde movements. In the years 1910‑1911 he took part in the inaugural Knave of Diamonds exhibition in Moscow, a landmark show that introduced Russian audiences to modernist tendencies. His later involvement in the 1948 Summer Olympics art competition demonstrates the continued relevance of his practice across diverse cultural arenas.

History & Provenance

Beyond the Knave of Diamonds, Moreau’s work appeared in a range of early avant‑garde venues, positioning him among the experimental artists of his generation. The inclusion of *The Knock‑Out* in the 1948 Olympic art contest further extended his public exposure, linking visual art with the international sporting event’s cultural program.

Artist & collection

Artist

Luc Albert Moreau

Luc Albert Moreau (9 December 1882 – 25 April 1948) was a French painter. In 1910–1911, he participated in the first inaugural exhibition of the Knave of Diamonds in Moscow with three canvases (Groupe, Tête, Paysage).…