Artwork

Two Girls

Two Girls, by George Bellows, ink, 1917
Two Girls, by George Bellows, ink, 1917

Two Girls is an ink print by George Bellows. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

George Bellows's 1917 lithograph, *Two Girls*, depicts two nude female figures leaning over a large, circular object set against a simple background.

Subject & Meaning

The subject's identity remains ambiguous due to blurred facial features, with the title providing the only hint about the figures. The emphasis lies in the capture of a fleeting, intimate moment rather than individual portrayal.

Technique & Style

Executed in black lithograph on laid paper, the work features rough, dark lines and a scratchy, uneven technique, imparting a sense of vitality and spontaneity to the figures.

History & Provenance

Created in 1917, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

*Two Girls* reflects Bellows's exploration of everyday life and intimate scenes, characteristic of his broader artistic themes during this period.

Legacy

While the piece's direct influence is not elaborated here, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Bellows's lithographic works and their contribution to early 20th-century printmaking.

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.