3-009-040 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: "The Grapplers", group in bronzed zinc, modelled by J.P. Molin, 1862. 'There is the true old fiery Norse spirit in the grim duel of these two men, relentlessly belted together, to be separated only by death...Each has made a thrust at the other, each has seized his adversary's wrist...the chances may seem for a moment almost evenly balanced, as they sway backwards and forwards with every muscle rigid as stone, and every vein distended to bursting; but it is impossible to doubt which will ultimately be the victor. The older one is not only the more muscular...but he is the more collected and more firmly planted of the two: there is a murderous concentrated determination and bulldog tenacity of purpose about the whole man; he might easily throw the other, but his chief advantage is seen in the way in which he keeps his adversary's blade at arm's length, which the younger and doomed man has failed to do...It is such points of truthful observation and anatomical knowledge as these which not only tell the story but render this work so technically admirable'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.