Artist

Dox Thrash (Primary)

Title

The Champ

Date

circa 1938

Century

20th century

Medium & Support

Aquatint on paper

Dimensions

Sheet: 7 7/8 x 5 1/4 in.

Style

American Scene-Urban

Object Type

Prints

Credit Line

Museum purchase

Accession Number

2006.22.01.63

Copyright

In Copyright
© Estate of Dox Thrash, courtesy Dolan/Maxwell, Philadelphia

Thrash is best remembered as coinventor of the carborundum mezzotint printmaking technique while working for the WPA Federal Art Project in Philadelphia. The Champ, a print created with the much older technique of aquatint, is most likely a portrait of then world heavyweight champion boxer Joe Louis. Thrash’s miniature portrait evokes the strength and focus of this athlete who was a hero to many Americans at the time. Thrash spent his early life in Georgia, but at age 15 he moved north seeking work. He studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago from 1914 to 1917, followed by a 14-month tour of duty with the African American 92nd Division of the US Army during World War I, where he was wounded in combat in France. After additional time back in Chicago and New York City, he moved to Philadelphia in 1925, eventually sharing a studio there with artist Samuel Brown from 1944 until his death in 1965.

Exhibition Title: Asheville Art Museum: An Introduction to the Collection
Label Date: 2021
Type: Object Entry
Written by: Cindy Buckner

• boxing