Detail of Richard Humphries, the Boxer by John Hoppner in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, August 2010

Richard Humphreys, the Boxer

Artist: John Hoppner (British, London 1758–1810 London)

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 55 3/4 x 44 1/4 in. (141.6 x 112.4 cm)

Classification: Paintings

Credit Line: The Alfred N. Punnett Endowment Fund, 1953

Accession Number: 53.113

Label:

Boxing, well known in antiquity, was revived in England in the eighteenth century and afforded entertainment for all classes of society. Humphreys's portrait must have been commissioned by Wilson Braddyll, his manager and promoter, in anticipation of a well-publicized match against Daniel Mendoza, which was to take place on January 9, 1788. The portrait was engraved by John Young in a large folio mezzotint published on January 3. The young boxer is depicted in his defensive stance, on the turf, and wearing breeches, silk stockings, and pumps.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/436691