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1906 James J. Jeffries "Sideshow" Folk Art Painting on Wood
A brilliantly done oil painting on wood of World's Heavyweight Champion James J. Jeffries, this was likely done in between his first retirement from boxing, but before his "Great White Hope" destruction versus the great Jack Johnson. Painting style has the look of a period circus sideshow. It is part of a larger overall piece, perhaps part of a circus wagon that carried the crew and their accessories as they barnstormed the country. It was obviously part of a larger piece as the wording at the sides are cut off, but the best part was saved and the image of James J. Jeffries is there in all its glory. Marvelous look and exceptional quality for an important piece of early American Folk Art. Measures 11.5x48." We believe this dates from 1906 as it clearly painted "1899-1906." As Jeffries never LOST the championship, he retired undefeated. Therefore, they would still promote him as champion although he had retired in 1905. Also, around this time Jeffries would have been touring, so they listed the present year of 1906. Besides, the look of it is from this early 1900s era which supports this thesis more than anything else.
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