Artwork
Murder of Edith Cavell
Murder of Edith Cavell is an ink print by George Bellows. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The print 'Murder of Edith Cavell' is a 1918 lithograph by George Bellows, executed in black.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a woman on a raised platform in a prison courtyard, surrounded by defeated soldiers. The contrast between her calm demeanor and the chaos below suggests a narrative of moral triumph or judgment.
Technique & Style
Created as a lithograph, the work features a stark black-and-white palette, emphasizing the dramatic tension of the scene. The medium allowed for expressive rendering of textures and shading.
Context
The print references the 1915 execution of Edith Cavell, a British nurse shot by German forces during World War I. The event was widely publicized and symbolized wartime atrocities.
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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