[Four Pugilists with a Bottle at Their Feet]

Unknown

1870–80s · Tintype with applied color · Photographs

With feet shoulder-length apart and arms raised in what can be called a fisticuffs stance, the pugilists in the foreground look directly at each other. The bottle at their feet alludes to the important role of the bottleholder. This person is meant to assist and support the active pugilist by readily supplying water during a boxing match. Wearing identical uniforms and hand-colored belts, the four pugilists appear as though they could easily switch roles, precluding those in the background from being in the perpetual supporting role.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1870–80s

Medium

Tintype with applied color

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Bequest of Herbert Mitchell, 2008