Fisticuffs 1937

In this 1937 ink drawing we see "Fisticuffs" by Donald Carlisle Greason. The sketch depicts two male figures, presumably boxers, caught in a moment of physical engagement. Greason's choice of subject is worth noting. During the early to mid-20th century, boxing was a popular, yet fraught subject in American culture. It was often seen as a proving ground for masculinity and a means of social mobility, particularly for working-class men and immigrants. Yet, it was also a site of violence and exploitation. The artist’s expressive lines convey a sense of raw energy, their bodies intertwined in a dance of aggression and vulnerability. With the sketch-like quality and faceless figures, Greason captures a universal tension inherent in physical combat. "Fisticuffs" offers a glimpse into the complex ways in which bodies, power, and identity intersect. It is a visceral reminder of both the spectacle and the human cost of such engagements.