Artwork
Study of My Mother, Second Stone
Study of My Mother, Second Stone 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
Study of My Mother, Second Stone (1921) is a black-and-white print by American realist George Bellows, depicting an intimate, personal subject amidst his broader oeuvre of urban landscapes.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays an older woman, presumably the artist's mother, seated in a chair, dressed in a long, belted robe. The composition conveys a sense of quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
Bellows employed strong chiaroscuro, leveraging contrasts between light and dark to create depth. The subject's face and the folds of her robe are accentuated against a dark background, with subtle details on a nearby table and lamp.
History & Provenance
The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though the specifics of its creation beyond the date (1921) and its acquisition by the museum are not detailed here.
Context
This piece reflects Bellows' capacity to balance public, urban themes with private, personal subjects, showcasing his range within the American realist tradition.
Legacy
While not one of Bellows' most widely recognized cityscapes, *Study of My Mother, Second Stone* contributes to the artist's legacy by highlighting his ability to capture intimate, domestic moments with depth and nuance.
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.
