Artwork
Portrait of Eugene Speicher, Second Stone
Portrait of Eugene Speicher, Second Stone 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
Next, check out George Bellows (American, 1882–1925) to see how he worked with light and shadow in other portraits.
This sketch shows a man in a dark suit, white shirt, and tie. His face is serious, with strong lines for his jaw and eyebrows. The background is plain, so all focus stays on him.
The artist used quick, loose strokes—especially on the jacket—to show texture. The name "Eugene Speicher" is signed at the bottom, but the artist’s initials "G.B." are in the corner.
Next, check out George Bellows (American, 1882–1925) to see how he worked with light and shadow in other portraits.
Overview
Created in 1924, *Portrait of Eugene Speicher, Second Stone* is a print by American artist George Bellows. Executed in his characteristic realist manner, the work presents a single figure against an unadorned backdrop, emphasizing the sitter’s presence. The piece is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection and exemplifies Bellows’ foray into portraiture beyond his well‑known urban scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Eugene Speicher, a fellow painter, dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and tie. His expression is solemn, with pronounced jawline and eyebrows that convey a sense of concentration. By isolating the sitter against a plain background, Bellows directs attention to Speicher’s demeanor, suggesting a study of the artist’s inner character rather than external narrative.
Technique & Style
Bellows employs swift, loose strokes, particularly on the jacket, to suggest the texture of the fabric without rendering every detail. The handling of line is confident, with strong contours defining the face and shoulders. The print’s limited tonal range relies on contrast between dark suit and lighter shirt, reinforcing the realist emphasis on form and volume.
History & Provenance
The work was produced near the end of Bellows’ career, a year before his death in 1925. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains on view. The piece bears the artist’s initials "G.B." in the corner and the sitter’s name signed at the bottom, confirming its authorship and subject.
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.
