A Cudgelling Match between English and French Negroes on the Island of Dominica Agostino Brunias (1728-1796)

The scene presented depicts a formalized confrontation between individuals identified as English and French Negroes. The composition is structured around a central space where two men are engaged in what appears to be a ritualized beating with sticks – a cudgelling match. A group of onlookers surrounds the participants, their expressions ranging from amusement to detached observation.
The artist has employed a palette dominated by earthy tones, punctuated by the brighter whites of the combatants’ lower garments and the occasional splash of color in the attire of some spectators. The background features dense foliage, suggesting a tropical locale, with a rudimentary structure visible on the left side of the frame, likely representing dwellings or outbuildings.
The arrangement of figures is significant. The two central participants are positioned facing each other, their bodies tense and poised for action. Their postures convey a sense of controlled aggression rather than uncontrolled violence. This formalization suggests that the event is not merely a spontaneous brawl but a staged spectacle with its own set of rules and expectations.
The presence of onlookers is crucial to understanding the subtext of this work. They are depicted as both participants in, and observers of, the scene. Their varied reactions – laughter, curiosity, indifference – hint at the complex social dynamics at play within the community. The depiction implies a degree of acceptance or even enjoyment of such displays, which raises questions about power structures, racial hierarchies, and the normalization of violence.
The clothing worn by the individuals is noteworthy. While some are scantily clad, others wear more elaborate garments, suggesting distinctions in status or role within the group. This detail underscores the social stratification that existed even among enslaved populations. The attire also serves to emphasize their physical attributes – muscular builds and dark skin tones – reinforcing stereotypical representations of Africans prevalent during this period.
The overall impression is one of a carefully constructed spectacle, designed not only for entertainment but also as a means of asserting dominance and reinforcing social boundaries within the colonial context. The work functions as a visual document that reveals much about the attitudes towards race, class, and violence in the eighteenth century.