Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait 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
George Bellows's Self-Portrait is a lithographic print that depicts the artist in the process of creating the work, gazing at his reflection in a mirror while drawing on a lithographic stone.
Subject & Meaning
The print showcases Bellows's self-aware, introspective approach to portraiture, capturing his everyday attire, including a bow tie, and a cigarette, which alludes to his struggles with smoking.
Technique & Style
Characterized by rough, expressive lines suggestive of rapid execution, the print highlights Bellows's emphasis on the creative process, revealing the tools of his craft—the mirror and lithographic stone.
Context
The work reflects Bellows's period aesthetic, with the bow tie being a common accessory during this phase of his career, while the overall style may relate to broader artistic explorations of materiality, akin to impasto techniques in painting.
Legacy
Self-Portrait contributes to Bellows's reputation for candid, process-oriented artworks, offering a unique glimpse into the artist's working methods and personal habits.
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.
![Self-Portrait [recto], by Paul Cezanne](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-cezanne--self-portrait-recto--800f9cf98766d770-w320.webp)