Rare Painting of 19th Century Boxing Match

A rare painted record of a legendary boxing match that took place in Greta Green is coming up for auction in North Yorkshire. Whilst the artist is unknown, the naïve-style painting depicts the fight that took place between Carter and Oliver on 4^th October 1816 and will be sold with an estimate of £3,000-5,000 in the British, European and Sporting Art Sale at Tennants Auctioneers on 15^th November (all figures exclude buyer’s premium).  

The fight between Carter and Oliver was arranged at Gretna Green, in a field used by Mr Johnson, inn keeper, on the estate of Sir James Maxwell. The stakes were a hefty 100 guineas each, and the contest took place in a 24-foot roped ring in front of approximately 30,000 spectators, leaving the streets around Carlisle empty. Going into the match, Oliver was the favourite to win. Carter was seconded by Painter and Harmer, and Oliver by Cribb and Copper, whose names are painted on the bottom of the frame. Despite rumours of Carter’s lack of prowess, he launched a decisive attack and won the first round. Carter went on to dominate Oliver. According to the York Herald published a few days after, the 31-round fight lasted 48 minutes, and was intensely punishing. Carter reportedly crushed Oliver at the ropes with both hands. After the bout, Oliver was apparently taken from the ring in dire condition—insensible and with both eyes swollen shut—though he eventually revived with medical aid. Carter walked away relatively unscathed and in good spirits and saw his stature as a boxer grow.

The sale will also offer a wide range of interesting works including an early work by Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) depicting Romani life at Norwich’s historic Tombland Fair (estimate: £20,000-30,000). During the early years of his career, one of his favourite subjects was the Romani people who ran travelling fairs in the area, becoming well acquainted with several families, having been captivated by the vibrance, colour and ruggedness of the people and caravans. In the present work, Munnings gives us a glimpse of their domestic life, with a meal being prepared before the steps of parked caravans on a cold, grey day. After the First World War, Munnings went on to concentrate on painting horses, becoming the most celebrated equestrian artist of the 20^th century.

An imposing large-scale depiction of The Incredulity of St Thomas is on offer with an estimate of £6,000-9,000 and is thought to have been painted by a Follower of Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674), a Baroque artist working in France, possibly after a now-lost original by the artist. The painting is being sold on behalf of the Joint Administrators of Mount St. Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall School, the Catholic junior and senior schools in Derbyshire that closed earlier this year.

Later works of note include a charming work of two young children by Dorothea Sharp (1874-1955). Sharp fell under the influence of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters on a trip to Paris, and became known for her spontaneous, impressionistic style. Inspecting the Bird’s Nest is offered with an estimate of £10,000-15,000. There are also a number of good ornithological works by the renowned Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935), including a depiction of a bird of prey with its kill (estimate: £2,000-3,000).

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