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Pugilism Collection (#2)

"Pugilism: A Timeless Art of Strength and Skill" Step back in time to witness the captivating world of pugilism

Background imagePugilism Collection: Tom Oliver, From a Drawing by Wageman (engraving)

Tom Oliver, From a Drawing by Wageman (engraving)
983248 Tom Oliver, From a Drawing by Wageman (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tom Oliver, From a Drawing by Wageman)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Tom Springs Monument in Norwood Cemetery (engraving)

Tom Springs Monument in Norwood Cemetery (engraving)
983245 Tom Springs Monument in Norwood Cemetery (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tom Springs Monument in Norwood Cemetery)

Background imagePugilism Collection: George Nicholls, From a Drawing by G Sharples (engraving)

George Nicholls, From a Drawing by G Sharples (engraving)
983242 George Nicholls, From a Drawing by G Sharples (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: George Nicholls, From a Drawing by G Sharples)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Captain Robert Barclay, Allardyce of Ury, From a Miniature, 1798, Aetatis 19 (engraving)

Captain Robert Barclay, Allardyce of Ury, From a Miniature, 1798, Aetatis 19 (engraving)
983241 Captain Robert Barclay, Allardyce of Ury, From a Miniature, 1798, Aetatis 19 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Captain Robert Barclay)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Cribbs Monument in Woolwich Churchyard (engraving)

Cribbs Monument in Woolwich Churchyard (engraving)
983232 Cribbs Monument in Woolwich Churchyard (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cribbs Monument in Woolwich Churchyard)

Background imagePugilism Collection: John Gully, Esquire, MR, From a Miniature by Hudson, 1815 (engraving)

John Gully, Esquire, MR, From a Miniature by Hudson, 1815 (engraving)
983228 John Gully, Esquire, MR, From a Miniature by Hudson, 1815 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Gully, Esquire, MR, From a Miniature by Hudson)

Background imagePugilism Collection: James Belcher, of Bristol, Champion of England, 1798-1809 (engraving)

James Belcher, of Bristol, Champion of England, 1798-1809 (engraving)
983225 James Belcher, of Bristol, Champion of England, 1798-1809 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: James Belcher, of Bristol, Champion of England)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Tom Owen, 1820, From a Portrait by George Sharples (engraving)

Tom Owen, 1820, From a Portrait by George Sharples (engraving)
983224 Tom Owen, 1820, From a Portrait by George Sharples (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tom Owen, 1820, From a Portrait by George Sharples)

Background imagePugilism Collection: James Fig, Champion, From Sir James Thornhills Portrait, 1732 (engraving)

James Fig, Champion, From Sir James Thornhills Portrait, 1732 (engraving)
983214 James Fig, Champion, From Sir James Thornhills Portrait, 1732 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: James Fig, Champion)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Southwark Fair (engraving)

Southwark Fair (engraving)
983213 Southwark Fair (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Southwark Fair. Illustration for Pugilistica The History of British Boxing by Henry Downes Miles)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Punch cartoon: Athletics - an alternative to the boxing glove (engraving)

Punch cartoon: Athletics - an alternative to the boxing glove (engraving)
6034776 Punch cartoon: Athletics - an alternative to the boxing glove (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Punch cartoon)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Plate 341. Boxing; Open Hand, 1872-85 (collotype on paper)

Plate 341. Boxing; Open Hand, 1872-85 (collotype on paper)
3950325 Plate 341. Boxing; Open Hand, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 20.3x36.2 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA

Background imagePugilism Collection: Plate 336. Boxing; Open Hand (Shoes), 1872-85 (collotype on paper)

Plate 336. Boxing; Open Hand (Shoes), 1872-85 (collotype on paper)
3950320 Plate 336. Boxing; Open Hand (Shoes), 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 22.9x32.2 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA

Background imagePugilism Collection: The last bare knuckle boxing championship fight in 1889, John L. Sullivan v

The last bare knuckle boxing championship fight in 1889, John L. Sullivan v
PNP379195 The last bare knuckle boxing championship fight in 1889, John L. Sullivan v. Jake Kilrain at Richburg, Mississippi (colour litho) by American School

Background imagePugilism Collection: The Champion, published by Currier & Ives in 1883 (colour litho)

The Champion, published by Currier & Ives in 1883 (colour litho)
PNP379187 The Champion, published by Currier & Ives in 1883 (colour litho) by Kemble, Ernest (fl.1883); Private Collection; Peter Newark American Pictures; American, out of copyright

Background imagePugilism Collection: Bare-knuckle boxing

Bare-knuckle boxing
3780922 Bare-knuckle boxing by Alken, Henry Thomas (1785-1851); (add.info.: Bare-knuckle boxing. Engraving by Henry Alken British artist 12 October 1785 - 7 April 1851)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Mendoza, pub. 1788 (hand coloured engraving)

Mendoza, pub. 1788 (hand coloured engraving)
2962492 Mendoza, pub.1788 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: Daniel Mendoza (c.1765-1836)

Background imagePugilism Collection: 'The Royal Academy', pub. by S. W. Fores, 1786 (coloured etching)

"The Royal Academy", pub. by S. W. Fores, 1786 (coloured etching)
CWA124835 " The Royal Academy", pub. by S.W. Fores, 1786 (coloured etching) by English School, (18th century); City of Westminster Archive Centre, London

Background imagePugilism Collection: Boxer, illustration for Olympia by Adolf Boetticher, 1886 (digitally enhanced image)

Boxer, illustration for Olympia by Adolf Boetticher, 1886 (digitally enhanced image)
LLM463893 Boxer, illustration for Olympia by Adolf Boetticher, 1886 (digitally enhanced image) by English School, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; © Look and Learn

Background imagePugilism Collection: Boxing in England, 1823 (colour engraving)

Boxing in England, 1823 (colour engraving)
CHT221628 Boxing in England, 1823 (colour engraving) by English School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France; eArchives Charmet; English, out of copyright

Background imagePugilism Collection: A Survival of Pugilism, a Glove Fight in 1896, 'Time!'(engraving)

A Survival of Pugilism, a Glove Fight in 1896, "Time!"(engraving)
1042304 A Survival of Pugilism, a Glove Fight in 1896, " Time!" (engraving) by Paget, Henry Marriott (1856-1936) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Survival of Pugilism)

Background imagePugilism Collection: William Thompson, 'Bendigo', of Nottingham (engraving)

William Thompson, "Bendigo", of Nottingham (engraving)
983261 William Thompson, " Bendigo", of Nottingham (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Thompson, " Bendigo", of Nottingham)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Tom Shelton, From a Drawing by G Sharples, 1821 (engraving)

Tom Shelton, From a Drawing by G Sharples, 1821 (engraving)
983236 Tom Shelton, From a Drawing by G Sharples, 1821 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tom Shelton, From a Drawing by G Sharples, 1821)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Thomas Cribb, Champion of England, From the Painting by De Wild, 1811 (engraving)

Thomas Cribb, Champion of England, From the Painting by De Wild, 1811 (engraving)
983231 Thomas Cribb, Champion of England, From the Painting by De Wild, 1811 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Thomas Cribb, Champion of England)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Monument to John Jackson in Brompton Cemetery, Thomas Butler, Sculpsit, 1847 (engraving)

Monument to John Jackson in Brompton Cemetery, Thomas Butler, Sculpsit, 1847 (engraving)
983223 Monument to John Jackson in Brompton Cemetery, Thomas Butler, Sculpsit, 1847 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imagePugilism Collection: The Fight between Tom Johnson and Isaac Perrins, at Banbury, Oxfordshire, 22 November 1789

The Fight between Tom Johnson and Isaac Perrins, at Banbury, Oxfordshire, 22 November 1789
983220 The Fight between Tom Johnson and Isaac Perrins, at Banbury, Oxfordshire, 22 November 1789, From an Engraving published in 1790 (engraving) by English School

Background imagePugilism Collection: Jack Broughton, Champion, 1734-1750, From the Painting by Frank Hayman, RA

Jack Broughton, Champion, 1734-1750, From the Painting by Frank Hayman, RA
983217 Jack Broughton, Champion, 1734-1750, From the Painting by Frank Hayman, RA, formerly in the possession of the Duke of Cumberland (engraving) by English School

Background imagePugilism Collection: Jack Martin, the 'Master of the Rolls', From a Drawing by A Wyvill, 1824 (engraving)

Jack Martin, the "Master of the Rolls", From a Drawing by A Wyvill, 1824 (engraving)
983239 Jack Martin, the " Master of the Rolls", From a Drawing by A Wyvill, 1824 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jack Martin)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Ned Turner, From a Portrait by Wyvill (engraving)

Ned Turner, From a Portrait by Wyvill (engraving)
983238 Ned Turner, From a Portrait by Wyvill (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ned Turner, From a Portrait by Wyvill)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Bob Gregson (engraving)

Bob Gregson (engraving)
983230 Bob Gregson (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Bob Gregson. Illustration for Pugilistica The History of British Boxing by Henry Downes Miles)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Tom Belcher, From a Portrait published in 1810 (engraving)

Tom Belcher, From a Portrait published in 1810 (engraving)
983226 Tom Belcher, From a Portrait published in 1810 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tom Belcher, From a Portrait published in 1810)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Figs Card (engraving)

Figs Card (engraving)
983215 Figs Card (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Figs Card. Distributed to his patrons, and at his booths at Southwark Fair and elsewhere)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Plate 338. Boxing; Open Hand (Shoes), 1872-85 (collotype on paper)

Plate 338. Boxing; Open Hand (Shoes), 1872-85 (collotype on paper)
3950322 Plate 338. Boxing; Open Hand (Shoes), 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 22.9x32.1 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA

Background imagePugilism Collection: Jem Mace, of Norwich, Champion, 1855-1864 (engraving)

Jem Mace, of Norwich, Champion, 1855-1864 (engraving)
983271 Jem Mace, of Norwich, Champion, 1855-1864 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jem Mace, of Norwich, Champion, 1855-1864)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Tom Sayers (engraving)

Tom Sayers (engraving)
983270 Tom Sayers (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tom Sayers. Illustration for Pugilistica The History of British Boxing by Henry Downes Miles)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Harry Broome, Champion, From a Print by Moore (engraving)

Harry Broome, Champion, From a Print by Moore (engraving)
983268 Harry Broome, Champion, From a Print by Moore (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Harry Broome, Champion, From a Print by Moore)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Sayers and Heenan, 17 April 1860 (engraving)

Sayers and Heenan, 17 April 1860 (engraving)
983260 Sayers and Heenan, 17 April 1860 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sayers and Heenan, 17 April 1860)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Alec Reid (engraving)

Alec Reid (engraving)
983258 Alec Reid (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Alec Reid. Illustration for Pugilistica The History of British Boxing by Henry Downes Miles)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Dan Donnelly, Champion of Ireland, From a Miniature by George Sharples (engraving)

Dan Donnelly, Champion of Ireland, From a Miniature by George Sharples (engraving)
983251 Dan Donnelly, Champion of Ireland, From a Miniature by George Sharples (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dan Donnelly, Champion of Ireland)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Thomas Hickman, 'The Gas Man'(engraving)

Thomas Hickman, "The Gas Man"(engraving)
983250 Thomas Hickman, " The Gas Man" (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Thomas Hickman, " The Gas Man")

Background imagePugilism Collection: John Palmer, 'Jack Scroggins', From a Portrait by G Sharples, 1819 (engraving)

John Palmer, "Jack Scroggins", From a Portrait by G Sharples, 1819 (engraving)
983240 John Palmer, " Jack Scroggins", From a Portrait by G Sharples, 1819 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Palmer)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Samuel Elias, 'Dutch Sam', 1801-1814 (engraving)

Samuel Elias, "Dutch Sam", 1801-1814 (engraving)
983229 Samuel Elias, " Dutch Sam", 1801-1814 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Samuel Elias, " Dutch Sam", 1801-1814)

Background imagePugilism Collection: George Taylor, 1734-1758, From a Print published in 1740 (engraving)

George Taylor, 1734-1758, From a Print published in 1740 (engraving)
983216 George Taylor, 1734-1758, From a Print published in 1740 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: George Taylor, 1734-1758)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Ancient Greek boxing (coloured engraving)

Ancient Greek boxing (coloured engraving)
3630038 Ancient Greek boxing (coloured engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ancient Greek boxing)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Ancient Greece (coloured engraving)

Ancient Greece (coloured engraving)
3630052 Ancient Greece (coloured engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ancient Greece)

Background imagePugilism Collection: The Close of the Battle or the Champion Triumphant, published 1811 (colour litho)

The Close of the Battle or the Champion Triumphant, published 1811 (colour litho)
STC203617 The Close of the Battle or the Champion Triumphant, published 1811 (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imagePugilism Collection: Plate 342. Boxing; Open Hand, 1872-85 (collotype on paper)

Plate 342. Boxing; Open Hand, 1872-85 (collotype on paper)
3950326 Plate 342. Boxing; Open Hand, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 16.2x44.6 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA




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"Pugilism: A Timeless Art of Strength and Skill" Step back in time to witness the captivating world of pugilism, an ancient combat sport that has left its mark on history. From the powerful strokes captured in Richard Humphreys' 1788 oil painting to the intense gaze of a boxer portrayed in the c. 1800 portrait, this art form has always mesmerized spectators. Georges Carpentier's 1914 sketch cover transports us to a moment frozen in time, where determination and resilience shine through every line. Meanwhile, Cooper the Gipsy's vibrant lithograph from 1822 brings forth a burst of color, showcasing the raw energy pulsating within each fighter. One cannot forget The Famous Battle between Richard Humphreys and Daniel Mendoza on January 9th, 1788 – a legendary clash etched into memory forever. Edwin John's depiction captures their fierce rivalry with unparalleled precision. As we delve deeper into boxing history, we encounter Jack Johnson standing tall beside his first wife; their love story intertwined with his triumphs inside the ring. Frank Klause's black-and-white photograph from c. 1910-15 immortalizes another era when bare-knuckle fights reigned supreme. The last bare-knuckle fight held on April 17th, 1860 in Farnborough, Hampshire serves as a testament to both courage and endurance. This iconic event is brought back to life through an evocative image taken years later but still resonates with intensity. Even further back lies Greek art's contribution – Krater of Thebes dating back to the 7th century BC showcases early forms during geometric times. And who can overlook Muay Thai? Its presence adorning an ox cart reminds us that this noble sport transcends borders and cultures. Bare-knuckle boxing emerged as prizefighting or fisticuffs during the 19th century, captivating audiences with its raw authenticity.