'A Particular and Scientific Account on the most tremendous Battle'
- Artist: Isaac Cruikshank
- Artist: Samuel William Fores
- Date: 1791
- Medium: etching
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: Henry Hervey (Harvey) Aston, Benjamin ('Big Ben') Bryan (Brian, Brain), Richard Humphries (Humphreys), Tom Johnson (Thomas Jackling), Daniel Mendoza, Sir Banastre Tarleton, Bt, Joseph ('Joe') Ward, William ('Bill') Ward
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is an etching titled “A Particular and Scientific Account on the most tremendous Battle”. Look at the line work first: the artist, Isaac Cruikshank, uses fine etched lines to give depth to each figure’s face and clothing. You can see several men in waistcoats, sleeves rolled up, with gloves ready—each posture suggesting readiness for a duel.
Notice the shading: darker ink outlines the musculature of their forearms, while lighter strokes hint at the folds in their coats. The composition is tight; one man leans slightly forward as if stepping into a fight. The background stays simple, keeping focus on the group.
Published by Samuel William Fores in 1791, this etching captures an 18th‑century sport—boxers or pugilists of that era. Names like Henry Hervey Aston and Benjamin “Big Ben” Bryan appear; they were noted prize fighters then. The piece shows how portraits could celebrate athletic prowess, not just aristocracy.
See it in person
'A Particular and Scientific Account on the most tremendous Battle' is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
