us-005578-irn537029-irn538267
has or had holder: us-005578
type: RecordSet
archival history: The mug was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2016 by the Katz family.
scope and content: Staffordshire creamware mug depicting Jewish boxer Daniel Mendoza and his former mentor Richard Humphreys, also spelled Humphries, in their third and final bareknuckle boxing match, September 29, 1790, in Doncaster, England. Mendoza held back for several rounds, but still won quickly. Humphreys won the first bout in 1788, and Mendoza the second in 1789. Billed as Mendoza the Jew, he was Champion of England from 1792 to 1795. Mendoza was the first prominent Jewish prizefighter in England. He was smaller than his opponents, and won with superior technique, speed, and agility. His style, known as the Mendoza or Jewish school, is credited with inspiring a generation of boxers and establishing many elements of modern boxing. The mug is one of the more than 900 items in the Katz Ehrenthal Collection of antisemitic artifacts and visual materials.
physical characteristics and technical requirements: Cylindrical, polychrome, creamware mug with a flat base, rounded rim, and a loop handle with 2 incised lines attached to the side. On the body is a black, transfer printed scene with hand painted details. It depicts 2 barechested men in breeches in boxing stances, knees touching: the left boxer, in green, has shifted his weight to the back on a bent right leg, and throws a punch with his left arm. The other boxer, in purple, braces himself with his left leg forward, both fists raised to guard his face. Each boxer has 2 prizefighters in jackets and breeches behind him in his corner; 1 is his second, the other, his water bottle holder. On the far left is a gentleman umpire in a hat and long red coat with a pocket watch, the face of a second umpire is visible over his shoulder. See record 2016.184.630 for a similar mug.
conditions of access: No restrictions on access
is or was included in: us-005578-irn537029
has or had identifier: http://lod.ehri-project-test.eu/units/us-005578-irn537029-irn538267/alternateIDs/1
title: Staffordshire creamware mug of final Mendoza v. Humphreys bout
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 dem…
identifier: irn538267
has record set type: Item
results or resulted from: http://lod.ehri-project-test.eu/units/us-005578-irn537029-irn538267/acquisitions/1
record resource extent: overall: Height: 4.375 inches (11.113 cm) | Width: 3.250 inches (8.255 cm) | Depth: 4.500 inches (11.43 cm)
conditions of use: No restrictions on use
has or had some members with language: eng
date: 1790 September 29, approximately 1790