The History of Fighting

Title:  Richard Humphreys, the Boxer

Date:  1787

Artist:  John Hoppner

Information:  This painting of 18th century bare knuckle fighter Richard Humphreys was probably commissioned by his manager and promoter, Wilson Braddyll, to promote his upcoming fight against Daniel Mendoza. The artist had prior knowledge of boxing so managed to get a good likeness of an early boxer taking a defensive stance; the picture is now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.