Artwork

The Garden of Growth

The Garden of Growth, by George Bellows, 1923
The Garden of Growth, by George Bellows, 1923

The Garden of Growth is a print by George Bellows. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Garden of Growth is a 1923 print by American artist George Bellows, held in The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a group of naked figures, ranging from children to adults, amidst a dense, shadowy forest, intertwined with vines and branches, under a dark sky with a single bird in flight.

Technique & Style

Bellows employs chiaroscuro, utilizing deep blacks and stark whites to create dramatic contrasts, with some figures merging into the shadows, producing a chaotic, narrative scene that blends human and natural elements.

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Bellows

Artist

George Bellows

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.