Artwork
Prayer Meeting, Second Stone
Prayer Meeting, Second Stone 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
Overview
Prayer Meeting, Second Stone, a 1916 print by American realist George Bellows, captures a moment of communal devotion in a dimly lit urban setting, characterized by strong contrasts of light and dark.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a religious gathering, possibly a prayer meeting or hymn, led by a central woman with raised arms. The scene conveys a sense of intense, shared fervor among the diverse group, with individuals variously engaged in prayer.
Technique & Style
Bellows employs chiaroscuro, a pronounced contrast between light and dark, to draw attention to the figures. This technique, along with the overall composition, reflects his signature directness and energetic portrayal of urban life.
History & Provenance
Created in 1916, the print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, aligning with Bellows’ broader oeuvre of capturing New York City’s social dynamics.
Context
This work fits within Bellows’ practice of documenting early 20th-century American urban experience, focusing on the lives and gatherings of city dwellers.
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.
