Gillray etching of Jewish boxer Mendoza in 1st Humphreys bout
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 12.875 inches (32.703 cm) | Width: 16.125 inches (40.958 cm)
Creator(s)
- James Gillray (Artist)
- S. W. Fores (Publisher)
- Daniel Mendoza (Subject)
- Peter Ehrenthal (Compiler)
Biographical History
The Katz Ehrenthal Collection is a collection of more than 900 objects depicting Jews and antisemitic and anti-Jewish propaganda from the medieval to the modern era, in Europe, Russia, and the United States. The collection was amassed by Peter Ehrenthal, a Romanian Holocaust survivor, to document the pervasive history of anti-Jewish hatred in Western art, politics and popular culture. It includes crude folk art as well as pieces created by Europe's finest craftsmen, prints and periodical illustrations, posters, paintings, decorative art, and toys and everyday household items decorated with depictions of stereotypical Jewish figures.
Daniel Mendoza was born on July 5, 1764, in Aldgate, London, England, to a large, poor Sephardic family descended from Spanish Marranos. He was apprenticed to a glass cutter. At 16, Mendoza began training with Richard Humphreys, a professional bareknuckle boxer. There were no weight classes in boxing, and the 5 foot 7 inch, 160 pound Mendoza had to face larger opponents. To compensate, he developed a technical style that emphasized footwork, jabbing, agility, speed, and and introduced the concept of defense. He rose to prominence quickly, fighting as Mendoza the Jew, and was the first Jewish figher to become champion. Mendoza fought approximately 35 professional fights, losing only 4, and was Champion of England from 1792-1795. Mendoza became one of the most celebrated figures in 18th century England. His image and, most frequently, the story of his three bouts with his mentor Humphreys, were portrayed in prints, tableware, and other merchandise. The Prince of Wales was a patron, and this royal acceptance was beneficial to Jews throughout British society. Jews had been expelled from England in 1296, and not permitted to return untl 1656. Mendoza opened several boxing academies where he taught his scientific approach to the sport, known as the Mendoza or Jewish school, and published a book, The Art of Boxing. He also performed touring demonstrations. He was married and had 11 children. Mendoza, 72, died on September 3, 1836.
Archival History
The print was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2016 by the Katz family.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of the Katz Family
Funding Note: The cataloging of this artifact has been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Scope and Content
Etching by James Gillray of Jewish boxer Daniel Mendoza and his former mentor, Richard Humphreys, in the middle of a boxing match on January 9, 1788, in Odiham, England. Mendoza lost the fight unexpectedly after injuring his leg. This was the first of three matches to decide the Champion. Mendoza beat Humphreys in 1789 and 1790. Billed as Mendoza the Jew, he held the title from 1792 to 1795. He was the first prominent Jewish prizefighter in England and inspired a generation of boxers. Mendoza was smaller than his opponents, and won due to his superior technique, speed, and agility. His style, known as the Mendoza or Jewish school, established many elements of modern boxing. Gillray (1756-1815) was one of the greatest caricaturists of the 18th century. The print is one of the more than 900 items in the Katz Ehrenthal Collection of antisemitic artifacts and visual materials.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Etched print in black ink on paper of 2 muscular, barechested male boxers in breeches, facing each other in fighting stances with raised fists in the center of a ring. Humphrey, on the left, has a swollen, left eye and wears wool socks, and no shoes, having changed to improve the grip on the boards, which are wet from the heavy, falling rain. Each boxer has 2 prizefighters in shirts and breeches behind him in his corner; Isaacs is Mendoza's second, Jacob his water bottle holder, with Tring and Johnson for Humphreys. On the far left are 2 gentleman umpires in hat and long coats with pocket watches: Moravia for Mendoza and Allen for Humphreys. They fight in an elevated ring with wooden posts and are surrounded by a large crowd.
People
- Mendoza, Daniel, 1764-1836--Caricatures and cartoons.
Subjects
- Jewish boxers--Pictorial works.
- Boxing--Great Britain--History--18th century--Pictorial works.
- Jews--Caricatures and cartoons.
- Jews in art.
- Jews--Great Britain--Pictorial works.
Genre
- Object
- Art