3-043-767 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Wrestler," by E. B. Stephens, A.R.A., 1872. 'The athletic figure, powerful action, and determined expression which the sculptor has ably represented in this fine statue, lately on view at the Exhibition of the Royal Academy, should be admired by the spectator with a sound appreciation of the beauty of true physical strength and perfect health in manhood. The ancient Greeks, who made gymnastics a religion, produced no finer models of this kind, we believe, than such as may be found among the rowing men, the pedestrians, the wrestling and boxing men of England in the present age; and there is no reason to doubt that English artists have the skill to imitate those living forms in marble. This work of Mr. Edward Stephens, A.R.A., is a good example, it will be generally agreed, of the right treatment of a class of subjects too much neglected in modern times. The competitive exercise of wrestling has of late been allowed to share the obloquy and disrepute justly attached to prizefighting; but it is a noble sport...and we should be glad to see it receive more encouragement from respectable society. Mr. Stephens has contributed, in his way, to show its recommendations'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.