This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2023
Jack Johnson was arguably the greatest boxer of the early 20th century. He became the first Black heavyweight champion, holding the title from 1908 to 1915. His During his career he was the most famous fighter in the sport, yet he suffered repeatedly from the racial attitudes of the time. Outside of the ring, Johnson defied the Jim Crow laws of the time, openly dating and marrying White women and operating an interracial nightclub. This stunning studio photograph was taken in France in 1913, a period in which Johnson was living in exile after fleeing the US after being convicted of violating the Mann Act. The photograph has a label affixed to the bottom edge reading, “Le Boxeur JACK JOHNSON (B).” There is some creases and pin holes on the very bottom corners, but this does not affect the image of Johnson. The back has a wonderful array of French newspaper stamping along with a “18 DEC1913” date stamp. Handwritten dated description in French is present in blue fountain pen. The photo has been encapsulated and graded Type 1 Authentic by PSA.