The Famous Battle Between Thomas Johnson and Michael Ryan, February 11, 1789
In this boxing match the renowned English fighter Tom Johnson opposes the Irishman Michael Ryan. They had met previously in December 1787 at Wraysbury, Buckinghamshire with a disputed outcome. This much anticipated rematch was held at Rabbit Dell in Cassiobury Park, Hertfordshire, on February 11, 1789, for prize money of six hundred guineas. Johnson's second was Richard Humphreys and John Jackson acted as his bottle holder (both well-known boxers). Ryan's second was Mr. Rolfe, a baker, and Nowlan was his bottle-holder. After 33 minutes, Ryan was defeated.
Contemporary journalist Pierce Egan wrote, "the set-to was one of the finest ever witnessed and much science was displayed; the parries and feints eliciting general admiration ... [The second round] was terrible beyond description – science seemed forgotten – and they appeared like two blacksmiths at an anvil, when Ryan received a knock-down blow. The battle was well sustained on both sides for some time; but Ryan's passion getting the better of him, he began to lose ground. Ryan's head and eyes made a dreadful appearance and Johnson was severely punished."
Contemporary journalist Pierce Egan wrote, "the set-to was one of the finest ever witnessed and much science was displayed; the parries and feints eliciting general admiration ... [The second round] was terrible beyond description – science seemed forgotten – and they appeared like two blacksmiths at an anvil, when Ryan received a knock-down blow. The battle was well sustained on both sides for some time; but Ryan's passion getting the better of him, he began to lose ground. Ryan's head and eyes made a dreadful appearance and Johnson was severely punished."
Artwork Details
- Title: The Famous Battle Between Thomas Johnson and Michael Ryan, February 11, 1789
- Artist: Attributed to Thomas Rowlandson (British, London 1757–1827 London)
- Publisher: S. W. Fores (London)
- Sitter: Tom Johnson (British, ca. 1750–1797)
- Sitter: Michael Ryan (Irish, active 1788–89)
- Sitter: Richard Humphreys (British, active 1787–90)
- Sitter: John Jackson (British, Worcestershire 1769–1845 London)
- Date: February 12, 1789
- Medium: Hand-colored etching
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed): 11 11/16 × 14 1/2 in. (29.7 × 36.9 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1959
- Object Number: 59.533.313
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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Thomas Rowlandson
1780–1827
Thomas Rowlandson
1780–1827
Thomas Rowlandson
1780–1827
Multiple artists/makers
January 1794
Thomas Rowlandson
late 18th–early 19th century
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