Artwork

Preliminaries

Preliminaries, by George Bellows, ink, 1916
Preliminaries, by George Bellows, ink, 1916

Preliminaries is an ink print by George Bellows. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Preliminaries is a 1916 lithograph by George Bellows, executed in black on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a dynamic scene of spectators surrounding a boxing ring, with the crowd attired in formal wear, including top hats and elegant dresses. A boxer and referee are visible in the background, amidst an atmosphere of tension and energy.

Technique & Style

Characterized by dark tones and bold lines, the work conveys a sense of dynamism. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the nuanced rendering of facial expressions and clothing, showcasing the capabilities of lithography.

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Bellows

Artist

George Bellows

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.