Large Bronze of the Pugilist Creugas after Antonio Canova

Height: 25 ½” (65cm)

Austria. Circa 1900

Signed to the base, M. Ehleder 

Creugas was an ancient Greek boxer made famous by the brutal circumstances of his death. After hours of fighting with no clear winner, Creugas and his opponent, Damoxenus agreed to take a single, undefended blow from the other. Creugas struck first, catching his opponent on the head. Damoxenus then ordered Creugas to raise his arm, before thrusting his fingers under Creugas’ ribs and tearing out his intestines. Creugas died instantly but was posthumously declared the winner due to the unsportsmanlike nature of Damoxenus’ attack. 

£3800