Artwork
Arms of a Boxer
Arms of a Boxer is a chalk drawing by George Bellows. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Arms of a Boxer is a 1916 drawing by American artist George Bellows. Executed in black chalk on wove paper, the work isolates the forearms of a pugilist, presenting a focused study of muscular form rather than a full‑body portrait.
Subject & Meaning
The composition concentrates on the boxer’s left arm raised and the right arm folded at the elbow, emphasizing the tension and power inherent in the sport. By limiting the image to the arms, Bellows invites viewers to consider the physical strain and kinetic potential of the fighter without narrative distraction.
Technique & Style
Bellows employs bold, gestural lines that define the contours of muscle and bone, while subtle variations in pressure create chiaroscuro effects that suggest volume. The stark monochrome palette heightens the sense of immediacy, allowing the drawing’s dynamic energy to emerge from simple, direct marks.
History & Provenance
Created during Bellows’s early career, the drawing reflects his interest in urban life and popular entertainment. It remains part of the artist’s documented output from the 1910s, though specific ownership details after its creation are not widely recorded.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Wesley Bellows (August 12 or August 19, 1882 – January 8, 1925) was an American realist painter, known for his bold depictions of urban life in New York City.
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