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"A Tavern Brawl", by John Gilbert,...Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Colours, 1864. Creator: W Thomas
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"A Tavern Brawl", by John Gilbert,...Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Colours, 1864. Creator: W Thomas
"A Tavern Brawl", by John Gilbert, in the Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Colours, 1864. Engraving of a painting. 'Such brawls were common in that ruder and more licentious, though vigorous and glorious, age...the duello was considered a most honourable, equitable, and gentleman-like mode of liquidating debts, proving wrong to be right, and wiping ail stain, however black, from the criminal. Naturally, when hot-blooded young gallants, professional gamesters and bravoes, swaggering swashbucklers, and lawless roisterers of all kinds...met at the taverns...when the sack and canary had freely circulated and women were toasted, and cards were played, then the disputes and difficulties which would be sure to arise would certainly be settled on the spot...by the convenient arbitration of the sword. The arbitration would also, though the question might be most trivial, not unfrequently have, for one at least of the parties to it, a fatal conclusion...And such, doubtless, is the fate of the handsome young fellow in our picture, who now lies weltering in his blood...His young adversary - perhaps a schoolfellow and friend, perhaps a mere tavern acquaintance...looks on, cooled, saddened, even regretful, as he wipes the ensanguined blade'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38686301
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Arguing Argument Bleeding Blood Card Game Cards Disputing Dramatic Duel Duelling Duellist Duellists Dying Game Game Of Cards Gilbert John Gilbert Sir John Injured Injury John Gilbert Melodrama Melodramatic Pictures Playing Cards Public House Regret Regretful Sir John Gilbert Tavern Thomas W W Thomas Wiping Wound Wounded Blade Pastime Young Man
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A Tavern Brawl
EDITORS COMMENTS
(1864)
In this dramatic engraving, John Gilbert's painting comes to life as a rowdy tavern scene unfolds. The air is thick with tension and violence as two young men engage in a fierce duel over what seems like a trivial matter. One of the combatants lies motionless on the floor, his blood pooling around him as his opponent stands frozen in shock.
The atmosphere is one of chaos and disorder, with patrons scattering to avoid getting caught up in the melee. The tavern's warm glow casts long shadows across the walls, emphasizing the sense of danger and uncertainty that pervades this moment.
This powerful image captures a bygone era when dueling was considered an honorable way to settle disputes - even if it often ended in tragedy. As we gaze upon these two young men locked in mortal combat, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of life and the devastating consequences that can arise from our actions.
From "Illustrated London News", 1864, this engraving is a testament to Gilbert's skill as an artist and Thomas' expertise as an illustrator. It serves as a window into the past, offering us a glimpse into the tumultuous world of Victorian England where honor was everything - even if it meant risking one's life in the process.
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