‘Portrait of Jem Wharton’ by William Daniels, 1839. Jem Wharton was one of the most successful boxers in Britain during the 1st half of the 19th century. In this portrait, Wharton, with an expression somewhere between a smile and sneer, appears confidently aware of his success, which is further emphasized by the sash from his latest victory tied around his waist. The gloves he wears were at this time generally reserved for training; only later in the century would they become mandatory in professional fights with the adoption of the Queensbury Rules. |
Mooncustafer 