John L. Sullivan - The Boston Strong Boy

glass negative

PHOTOGRAPHS - GLASS NEGATIVES
Rosenfeld and Sons
circa 1916
emulsion on glass
overall: 7 x 5 in.; 17.78 x 12.7 cm

5 x 7 glass plate negative taken from a earlier photograph (circa 1890). Original photographer was probably W. H. Cushing, and this copy negative was made by Rosenfeld and Sons circa 1916. Posed view of the boxer John L. Sullivan. Full figure, centered view of the 5'10" Boston boxer, seen in white boxing pants with black boots. Fists are raised in boxing position. Studio backdrop in background. Sullivan was dubbed the 'Boston Strong Boy'. He began fighting in 1877 and ended after losing to Corbett in the 21st round in New Orleans, 1892. Handwritten on original negative sleeve: "MR. CUSHING/ copy of John L. Sullivan". Inscribed on original photograph and visible on negative: "Copyrighted by/ John Wood N.Y. 1885".

ANN.1984.187.5715

Mystic Seaport, Rosenfeld Collection