Pugilism Collection (#4)

The bruising match, 1730. Illustration from Social Caricature in the Eighteenth Century... With over two hundred illustrations by George Paston (pseudonym of Emily Morse Symonds], (London, 1905)

December - Boxing Day, 19th century. Artist: George Cruikshank
December - Boxing Day, 19th century

Phorbas, 1615. Artist: Leonard Gaultier
Phorbas, 1615. A plate from Les Images Ou Tableaux De Platte Peinture Des Deux Philostrates Sophistes Grecs, by Blaise de Vigenere, Paris, 1615. Fround in the collection of Jean Claude Carriere

Both Members of This Club, 1909. Artist: George Wesley Bellows
Both Members of This Club, 1909. Inspired by fights at Tom Sharkeys Athletic Club in New York. At the time, public boxing matches were illegal in the city

Mr. Bright offers to give satisfaction to the Liberal Party, 1858. Mr John Bright (on the left) had made a speech at Manchester in which he forcefully reiterated his well-known views on the subjects

Pat O Keefe, WW1
British boxer and Middle Weight boxing champion of England, Pat O Keefe (1183-1960) pictured after joining the 1st Surrey Rifles and assisting the training of troops at Camberwell in 1915. Date: 1915

Georges Carpentier (1894-1975), French boxer, described by The Sketch magazine as the beau ideal of pugilism. Date: 1914

Sketch cover, Georges Carpentier & Gunboat Smith, 1914
Front cover of the Sketch magazine featuring a photograph of the much-publicised boxing match at Olympia between the Frenchman

The Butchers Triumph, or Waterman in the Dumps, 1750 (engraving)
XJF863043 The Butchers Triumph, or Waterman in the Dumps, 1750 (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

A Political Battle Royal Design d for Broughtons New Amphitheatre, c. 1743
XJF863025 A Political Battle Royal Design d for Broughtons New Amphitheatre, c.1743 (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: After the fall of Robert Walpole)

Bill Neat, engraved by Percy Roberts (engraving)
XJF377291 Bill Neat, engraved by Percy Roberts (engraving) by English School, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Bill Neat (1791-1858) English boxer; ); English, out of copyright

Boxing match between Thomas Futrell and John Jackson, June 9th 1788 (etching)
XJF377289 Boxing match between Thomas Futrell and John Jackson, June 9th 1788 (etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: the match between Thomas)

Tom Cribb (engraving)
XJF377265 Tom Cribb (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Thomas Cribb (1781-1848) English boxing champion; ); English, out of copyright

John Broughton (engraving)
XJF377264 John Broughton (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Broughton (c.1704-89), sometimes called Jack

Boxing Match Between Daniel Mendoza and Richard Humphreys, 29th September 1790 (etching)
XJF377263 Boxing Match Between Daniel Mendoza and Richard Humphreys, 29th September 1790 (etching) by Ryley, Charles Reuben (c.1752-98) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Famous Battle Between Richard Humphreys and Daniel Mendoza, January 9th 1788
XJF377260 The Famous Battle Between Richard Humphreys and Daniel Mendoza, January 9th 1788 (engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info)

Johnson against Perrins, 22nd October 1789 (colour litho)
XCF274397 Johnson against Perrins, 22nd October 1789 (colour litho) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Isaac Perrins; Tom Johnson; ); English, out of copyright

Boxing Match, 10th June 1788 (colour litho)
XCF274396 Boxing Match, 10th June 1788 (colour litho) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Street Fight by George Ranstead
Drawing of two men engaged in a punch up in the street, much to the horror of a lady watching from a doorway (possibly the cause of the fight)

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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.