Artwork

War Series: Base Hospital, Second Stone

War Series:  Base Hospital, Second Stone, by George Bellows, 1918
War Series:  Base Hospital, Second Stone, by George Bellows, 1918

War Series: Base Hospital, Second Stone is a print by George Bellows. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

War Series: Base Hospital, Second Stone, a 1918 print by George Bellows, is a realist depiction of a World War I scene, characteristic of the artist's focus on contemporary social and political themes.

Subject & Meaning

The print portrays a somber hospital scene where a figure lies on a central table, surrounded by men in white medical attire and others in dark clothing, conveying a sense of solemnity and intense focus on the patient's care.

Technique & Style

Bellows employs strong contrasts of light and shadow to create depth and draw attention to the central figure, while the stone walls and columns in the background add to the sense of realism and gravity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1918, the work is part of Bellows' war series and is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

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.