Artwork
Mrs. Herb Roth
Mrs. Herb Roth is a print by George Bellows. It dates from 1924 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1924, this work by American realist George Bellows presents a seated female figure rendered as a print.
Created in 1924, this work by American realist George Bellows presents a seated female figure rendered as a print. The subject, identified as Mrs. Herb Roth, is shown in a composed pose, directly engaging the viewer with a calm gaze. The piece belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, illustrating Bellows’ interest in straightforward portraiture beyond his more widely known urban scenes.
Subject & Meaning
Mrs. Herb Roth is depicted wearing a dark coat trimmed with fur, a white dress beneath, and a long chain around her neck, while a ring adorns her left hand. Her short bob haircut and neutral expression convey a sense of modest dignity. The relaxed posture, with hands folded in her lap, suggests a private, unembellished moment rather than a narrative tableau.
Technique & Style
Bellows employs a strong chiaroscuro contrast, using deep shadows to model the figure’s volume and to draw attention to the face and hands. The print’s tonal range emphasizes the texture of the fur collar and the sheen of the chain, while the simplified background keeps focus on the sitter. This approach reflects Bellows’ realist commitment to direct observation and clear form.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the print has remained within institutional holdings, currently residing in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Its acquisition underscores the museum’s effort to represent Bellows’ broader oeuvre, including his lesser‑known portrait work, and provides scholars with an example of his printmaking practice during the early 1920s.
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.
