Artwork

Family

Family, by George Bellows, 1916
Family, by George Bellows, 1916

Family is a print by George Bellows. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The man on the left has his arm around her, and the person on the right holds what looks like a long object, maybe a cane or staff.

This sketch shows three people close together in dim light. The woman in the middle wears a patterned dress and a headband, looking slightly upward. The man on the left has his arm around her, and the person on the right holds what looks like a long object, maybe a cane or staff.

The artist signed it "George Bellows" in the corner. The title is just "Family," but the scene feels more like a quiet moment than a formal portrait.

If you like this style, check out George Bellows (American, 1882–1925) for more of his work.

Overview

The print 'Family' is a work by George Bellows, created in 1916. It is a representation of a quiet, intimate moment among three figures.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts three people in close proximity, with a woman at the center wearing a patterned dress and headband. The figures are shown in a dimly lit setting, conveying a sense of domestic closeness.

Technique & Style

The print is characteristic of Bellows' realist style, capturing everyday life with straightforward clarity. The sketchy rendering and dim lighting create a sense of informality, diverging from the conventions of formal portraiture.

History & Provenance

'Family' is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It exemplifies Bellows' focus on domestic scenes within the context of early 20th-century American realism.

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.