Artwork

Indoor Athlete

Indoor Athlete, by George Bellows, 1921
Indoor Athlete, by George Bellows, 1921

Indoor Athlete is a print by George Bellows. It dates from 1921 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Indoor Athlete is a print by George Bellows depicting a solitary billiards player in a dimly lit room.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures a moment of intense focus as the player lines up a shot, conveying a sense of quiet concentration.

Technique & Style

The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes contrasts between light and dark, adds depth and atmosphere to the image.

Context

The print reflects the popularity of billiards in the 1920s, when thousands of poolrooms operated in New York City and across the United States.

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.