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Lot # 700: John L. Sullivan & Jem Smith Stevengraphs (2)

Starting Bid: $400.00

Bids: 3 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "December 2011 Catalog",
which ran from 11/18/2011 12:00 AM to
12/16/2011 9:00 PM



A "Stevengraph" is currently used to identify woven silk pictures and photographs, with the term originally being coined by Thomas Stevens to apply to his work in the 1870s. These silks, woven by Stevens himself depict bare-knuckle boxing legends John L. Sullivan and Jem Smith. Each measures 6x8" (possibly the original frames), and each says "WOVEN IN PURE SILK BY T. STEVENS, COVENTRY" directly below the picture. The back of the Sullivan piece has a lengthy biography of the champion, while the Smith piece has a listing of Stevengraph works on back, both of which appear to be held in place by masking tape around the boarder. The silks are in mint condition and the mattes appear to be EX. Amazing, incredibly-preserved works of art.

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