56
Freed Slave Turned Boxer, Attributed Portrait of Tom Molineaux,
Currency:USD
Category:Antiques
Start Price:10.00 USD
Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
SOLD
6,000.00USDto floor + buyer's premium (1,050.00)
This item SOLD at 2009 Jun 06 @ 10:54UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
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A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
English, first quarter 19th century, oil on canvas. A half length portrait of a seated black gentleman, dressed in grey jacket with floral vest. Housed in later frame with interior gilt lining; measuring 23.5" high x 19.5" wide (sight).
Oral family history suggests this portrait depicts Tom Molineaux (1784-1818), a Virginia slave who gained his freedom boxing for his plantation owner. Molineaux later moved to England, the epicenter of professional boxing in the early 19th century. He was tutored and trained by Bill Richmond (1763-1829), "The Black Terror", a self-trained boxer and also a freed American slave.
After continued success, Molineaux challenged the English title holder, Tom Cribb (1781-1848) in 1810. By all accounts, Molineaux proved impressive even with size disadvantages, and the fight was a wildly contested battle, with the crowd pushing into the ring during a lengthy tangle. Molineaux lost in the 35th round due to a hand injury deriving from the crowd's charge.
A year later, the rematch between the two fighters did not meet expectations. Molineaux had apparently trained little, drank heavily, lost weight and ignored Richmond's regimen, and was knocked out in the 11th round. Molineaux died impoverished and suffering from liver failure in 1818.
Several variables contribute to the attribution to Molineaux. First, the portrait reflects many stylistic tendencies common with British portraiture of the period. Second, and most obvious, the African American sitter is missing his two front teeth, perhaps the result of his fighting career. Other images of Molineaux bear similar resemblances, but depict the boxer at fighting age. Finally, Molineaux is depicted here engaging in the past-time which lead to his demise - drinking. An 18th century engraving by John Young (1755-1925)(Sold at Sotheby's, Oct. 26, 1990), depicts a sturdy Molineaux in fighting position. A well known illustration by Rowlandson depicts the second match of Cribb and Molineaux, and a widely produced Staffordshire figure of Molineaux occasionally surfaces. In each depiction, Molineaux is shown with a very dark complexion. Other examples of British portraiture and sporting art are featured in this sale from the same collector.
Condition: Original canvas has been trimmed and relined. This appears to have been conserved many years ago professionally. Very minor, scattered inpainting.
Provenance: Property of a Gentleman, Wilmington, North Carolina
Auction Location:
6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
Previewing Details:
Thursday, June 4, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
Friday, June 5, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
Saturday, June 6, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| Ohio |
5.5% |
Ohio |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
17.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
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Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
ADVICE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Cowan's will not ship any package containing a firearm to any location other than within the United States. Buyers outside the United States must make their own shipping arrangements taking full risk for the transportation of any firearm.
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