Bare Knuckles
circa 1870 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
An oil painting depicting a prize fight in a rural field, surrounded by a large crowd of spectators in 19th-century attire. The composition emphasizes the formal structure of the match ring and the uniformity of the onlookers.
Did you know?
This painting exemplifies the American folk art tradition, capturing a common 19th-century leisure activity before the widespread adoption of the Marquis of Queensberry rules. The artist, George A. Hayes, utilizes a flat, repetitive style that highlights the rigid social and physical staging of early bare-knuckle pugilism. Such works provide a vital look into regional social life and the popular obsession with prize fighting during the Victorian era.
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Bare Knuckles
George Hayes, circa 1870
