Victor Dubreuil 1846 - 1946

(Sale:  Heritage Auction Galleries, Dallas, November 10, 2006, lot 25078)
Acquired from the above sale by the present owner

Canvas is lined. Surface: slightly dirty varnish, Faintly noticeable pressed craquelure and some pigment separation mostly noticeable in the sky and the areas of white border. Surface is slightly abrated. Under UV light: sky is 70% repainted with old repaint. Also, a probably repaired tear sky left quadrant and 2 1/2 horizontal 'L' shaped tear, Diagonal line of repaint extending from upper right corner approx 11 in. long. Old repaired 'C' shaped tear around bunting at right of boxing ring. Scattered repaint to white boarder mainly along right edge from frame abrasion.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The heavyweight title fight between the English boxer Tom Sayers and his American counterpart John .C. Heenan was fought in 1860. It took place at Farnborough, England because pugilism was still officially outlawed in the United States. However, it was the first title fight to draw attention from both sides of the Atlantic. Heenan outweighed Sayers by 46 pounds and towered six inches above him. Up to this time an American had not been regarded as a serious contender for the world title, but the discrepancy in the weights was expected to give Heenan a real chance. The fight was bloody from the beginning. In the sixth round, Sayers broke his right arm blocking a punch and in the eighth, Heenan broke his left hand. In the 37th round someone cut the ropes and the referee deserted. The fight continued for five more rounds until it ended in a draw. Victor Dubreuil's painting, The International Contest between Heenan & Sayers recreates the 1860 lithograph by the same name in the trompe l'oeil manner that Dubreuil used to paint his well-known depictions of money. He painted money in barrels, money tied in stacks and money pinned to a wall. His skill at trompe l'oeil was so good that he was suspected by the government of being a counterfeiter. Born in New York City to French émigré parents, he spent all of his known career in the place of his birth.