Poszetka x 06 Kleofas Katowice - ‘Stag at Sharkey’s’ George Wesley Bellows

This pocket square is our contribution to a boxing club with over a hundred years of history, which is currently going through financial and location issues. All sales profits will be given to 06 Kleofas Katowice to support their further activities.

“Kleofas” is our neighbor who does invaluable work locally, engaging residents in sports and activities. Only those who have experienced it can testify to the intensity and quality of their boxing training - but it is worth emphasizing that it is not only about muscle strength and fitness, but also about speed, health (well, at least at our fully amateur level!), and a greater sense of safety.

Artwork: "Stag at Sharkey’s"

Author: George Wesley Bellows

Source: The Cleveland Museum of Art

Stag at Sharkey's is a 1909 oil painting by American artist George Wesley Bellows depicting two boxers fighting in a private athletic club located across from his studio. It is a part of the Ashcan School artistic movement, known for depicting scenes of daily life in New York at the beginning of the 20th century, often in the city’s poor neighborhoods.

Participants in the boxing ring at Sharkey’s were usually members of the club, but occasionally outsiders would fight with temporary memberships. These fighters were known as "stags”.

Bellows used quick strokes to create a blurred image, simulating the two fighters in motion. He also chose a low point of view to situate the viewer among the crowd watching the fight, creating a sense of "expressive involvement" in the action. He allegedly said: "I don't know anything about boxing, I'm just painting two men trying to kill each other”.