With the rare index plate

The contest is between the game-cocks of Colonel Mordaunt and the Nawab Wazir of Oudh, Asafud-dauba, who are seen facing each other with outstretched arms.

The court of Lucknow, renowned for many extravagances, was especially celebrated for the sports of hunting and cock-fighting, in which the Nawab delighted. Mordaunt was a keen cock-fighter and had brought out from England game-cocks which he was confidant would defeat the native-bred cocks (Mary Webster, Johan Zoffany 1733-1810, Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, 1976, cat. no.104).

Notable spectators include General Martin, Mr Wheeler, John Wombwell, Ozias Humphry, and Zoffany himself.

Mezzotint 547 x 704 mm., engraved by Richard Earlom, short tears expertly repaired.
Framed and glazed, overall size: 79 cm x 64 cm x 4.5 cm.

Snelgrove/ Mellon 4, p.212 (2), plate 108; Siltzer, p.357.